Chapter 12
अध्यायः 12
Rudra Saṃhitā, Chapter 12
Shlokas (86)
+ Add ShlokaRudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 1
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 1
नारद उवाच॥ ब्रह्मन्प्रजापते तात धन्यस्त्वं शिवसक्तधीः ॥ एतदेव पुनस्सम्यग्ब्रूहि मे विस्तराद्विधे ॥ १ ॥
nArada uvAca॥ brahmanprajApate tAta dhanyastvaM zivasaktadhIH ॥ etadeva punassamyagbrUhi me vistarAdvidhe ॥ 1 ॥
Nārada said: O dear father Brahmā, with your mind fixed on Śiva, you are blessed indeed. Please explain this again still more precisely.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 2
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 2
ब्रह्मोवाच ॥ एकस्मिन्समये तात ऋषीनाहूय सर्वतः ॥ निर्जरांश्चाऽवदं प्रीत्या सुवचः पद्मसंभवः ॥ २ ॥
brahmovAca ॥ ekasminsamaye tAta RSInAhUya sarvataH ॥ nirjarAMzcA'vadaM prItyA suvacaH padmasaMbhavaH ॥ 2 ॥
Brahmā said: I, the lotus-born, once called together all the sages and all the Gods and addressed them lovingly with these good words.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 3
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 3
यदि नित्यसुखे श्रद्धा यदि सिद्धेश्च कामुकाः ॥ आगंतव्यं मया सार्द्धं तीरं क्षीरपयोनिधेः ॥ ३ ॥
yadi nityasukhe zraddhA yadi siddhezca kAmukAH ॥ AgaMtavyaM mayA sArddhaM tIraM kSIrapayonidheH ॥ 3 ॥
If you have faith in permanent happiness, if you desire the achievement of the same, all of you shall come along with me to the shores of the milk-ocean.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 4
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 4
इत्येतद्वचनं श्रुत्वा गतास्ते हि मया सह ॥ यत्रास्ते भगवान्विष्णुस्सर्वेषां हितकारकः ॥ ४ ॥
ityetadvacanaM zrutvA gatAste hi mayA saha ॥ yatrAste bhagavAnviSNussarveSAM hitakArakaH ॥ 4 ॥
On hearing these words they accompanied me to the place where lord Viṣṇu, the benefactor of everyone, was stationed.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 5
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 5
तत्र गत्वा जगन्नाथं देवदेवं जनार्द्दनम् ॥ उपतस्थुस्सुरा नत्वा सुकृतांजलयोः मुने ॥ ९ ॥
tatra gatvA jagannAthaM devadevaM janArddanam ॥ upatasthussurA natvA sukRtAMjalayoH mune ॥ 9 ॥
O sage, on reaching the place, the Gods bowed down with palms joined in reverence and prayed to the lord of the universe Janārdana, lord of the Gods.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 6
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 6
तान्दृष्ट्वा च तदा विष्णुर्ब्रह्माद्यानमरान्स्थितान् ॥ स्मरञ्छिवपदांभोजमब्रवीत्परमं वचः ॥६॥
tAndRSTvA ca tadA viSNurbrahmAdyAnamarAnsthitAn ॥ smaraJchivapadAMbhojamabravItparamaM vacaH ॥6॥
On seeing Brahmā and other deities standing there, Viṣṇu remembered the lotus-like feet of Śiva and spoke these noble words.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 7
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 7
विष्णुरुवाच ॥ किमर्थमागता यूयं ब्रह्माद्याश्च सुरर्षयः ॥ सर्वं वदत तत्प्रीत्या किं कार्यं विद्यतेऽधुना ॥ ७ ॥
viSNuruvAca ॥ kimarthamAgatA yUyaM brahmAdyAzca surarSayaH ॥ sarvaM vadata tatprItyA kiM kAryaM vidyate'dhunA ॥ 7 ॥
Viṣṇu said: “Why have you all, Brahmā and others and the celestial sages come? What is the matter now? Please tell me lovingly.”
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 8
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 8
ब्रह्मोवाच ॥ इति पृष्टास्तदा तेन विष्णुना च मया सुराः ॥ पुनः प्रणम्य तं प्रीत्या किं कार्यं विद्यतेऽधुना ॥ विनिवेदयितुं कार्यं ह्यब्रुवन्वचनं शुभम् ॥ ८ ॥
brahmovAca ॥ iti pRSTAstadA tena viSNunA ca mayA surAH ॥ punaH praNamya taM prItyA kiM kAryaM vidyate'dhunA ॥ vinivedayituM kAryaM hyabruvanvacanaM zubham ॥ 8 ॥
Brahmā said: On being asked thus by Viṣṇu as well as by me, the deities bowed to Him with devotion and said.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 9
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 9
देवा ऊचुः ॥ नित्यं सेवा तु कस्यैव कार्या दुःखपहारिणी ॥ ९ ॥
devA UcuH ॥ nityaM sevA tu kasyaiva kAryA duHkhapahAriNI ॥ 9 ॥
The Devas said: “Whose worship shall we perform regularly for the removal of misery?”
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 10
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 10
इत्येतद्वचनं श्रुत्वा भगवान्भक्तवत्सलः ॥ सामरस्य मम प्रीत्या कृपया वाक्यमब्रवीत् ॥2-1-12-१०॥
ityetadvacanaM zrutvA bhagavAnbhaktavatsalaH ॥ sAmarasya mama prItyA kRpayA vAkyamabravIt ॥2-1-12-10॥
On hearing these words, the lord favourably disposed to the devotees, spoke as follows favouring me and the devas.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 11
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 11
श्रीभगवानुवाच ॥ ब्रह्मञ्च्छृणु सुरैस्सम्यक्श्रुतं च भवता पुरा ॥ तथापि कथ्यते तुभ्यं देवेभ्यश्च तथा पुनः ॥११॥
zrIbhagavAnuvAca ॥ brahmaJcchRNu suraissamyakzrutaM ca bhavatA purA ॥ tathApi kathyate tubhyaM devebhyazca tathA punaH ॥11॥
The lord said: O Brahmā, hear. You and these devas have already heard this. Yet I shall repeat it to you and to the devas.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 12
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 12
दृष्टं च दृश्यतेऽद्यैव किं पुनः पृच्छ्यते ऽधुना ॥ ब्रह्मन्देवैस्समस्तैश्च बहुधा कार्यतत्परैः ॥ १२ ॥
dRSTaM ca dRzyate'dyaiva kiM punaH pRcchyate 'dhunA ॥ brahmandevaissamastaizca bahudhA kAryatatparaiH ॥ 12 ॥
It has been seen. It is being seen. Then why is it being asked now? O Brahmā, Lord Śiva, the destroyer of all miseries, shall be served always by all who wish to achieve things.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 13
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 13
सेव्यसेव्यस्सदा देवश्शंकरस्सर्वदुःखहा ॥ ममापि कथितं तेन ब्रह्म णोऽपि विशेषतः ॥ १३ ॥
sevyasevyassadA devazzaMkarassarvaduHkhahA ॥ mamApi kathitaM tena brahma No'pi vizeSataH ॥ 13 ॥
The ever-worshipful Lord Shankara, the remover of all sorrows, Has also imparted this knowledge to me, and especially to Brahma.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 14
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 14
प्रस्तुतं चैव दृष्टं वस्सर्वं दृष्टांतमद्भुतम् ॥ त्याज्यं तदर्चनं नैव कदापि सुखमीप्सुभिः ॥ १४ ॥
prastutaM caiva dRSTaM vassarvaM dRSTAMtamadbhutam ॥ tyAjyaM tadarcanaM naiva kadApi sukhamIpsubhiH ॥ 14 ॥
His worship shall never be forsaken by those who wish to attain happiness. A wonderful example has been narrated to and seen by you all.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 15
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 15
संत्यज्य देवदेवेशं लिंगमूर्तिं महेश्वरम् ॥ तारपुत्रास्तथैवैते नष्टास्तेऽपि सबांधवाः ॥ १५ ॥
saMtyajya devadevezaM liMgamUrtiM mahezvaram ॥ tAraputrAstathaivaite naSTAste'pi sabAMdhavAH ॥ 15 ॥
When they abandoned worshipping the lord of the Devas—Maheśvara in the form of the Liṅga, the sons of Tāra along with their kinsmen perished.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 16
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 16
मया च मोहितास्ते वै मायया दूरतः कृताः ॥ सर्वे विनष्टाः प्रध्वस्ताः शिवेन रहिता यदा ॥१६॥
mayA ca mohitAste vai mAyayA dUrataH kRtAH ॥ sarve vinaSTAH pradhvastAH zivena rahitA yadA ॥16॥
They had been enchanted by me. By my illusion they were driven far by me. When they were devoid of Śiva, they were all destroyed and exterminated.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 17
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 17
तस्मात्सदा पूजनीयो लिंगमूर्तिधरी हरः ॥ सेवनीयो विशेषेण श्रद्धया देवसत्तमः ॥ १७ ॥
tasmAtsadA pUjanIyo liMgamUrtidharI haraH ॥ sevanIyo vizeSeNa zraddhayA devasattamaH ॥ 17 ॥
Hence Śiva in the form of phallic image shall be worshipped always. He, the foremost among deities, shall be served with special faith.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 18
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 18
शर्वलिङ्गार्चनादेव देवा दैत्याश्च सत्तमाः ॥ अहं त्वं च तथा ब्रह्मन्कथं तद्विस्मृतं त्वया ॥१८॥।
zarvaliGgArcanAdeva devA daityAzca sattamAH ॥ ahaM tvaM ca tathA brahmankathaM tadvismRtaM tvayA ॥18॥।
It is by the worship of the liṅga of Śiva that all good men, devas, daityas, I and you, O Brahmā, are sustained. How is it that it was forgotten by you?
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 19
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 19
तल्लिङ्गमर्चयेन्नित्यं येन केनापि हेतुना ॥ तस्मात् ब्रह्मन्सुरः शर्वः सर्वकामफलेप्सया ॥१९॥
talliGgamarcayennityaM yena kenApi hetunA ॥ tasmAt brahmansuraH zarvaH sarvakAmaphalepsayA ॥19॥
Hence, O Brahmā, His liṅga shall be regularly worshipped whatever may be the aim. Śiva shall be worshipped whatever the desire may be.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 20
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 20
सा हनिस्तन्महाछिद्रं सान्धता सा च मुग्धता ॥ यन्मुहूर्त्तं क्षणं वापि शिवं नैव समर्चयेत् ॥ 2-1-12-२० ॥
sA hanistanmahAchidraM sAndhatA sA ca mugdhatA ॥ yanmuhUrttaM kSaNaM vApi zivaM naiva samarcayet ॥ 2-1-12-20 ॥
If an hour or even a moment is spent without the worship of Śiva, it is a loss. It is an imperfection, a great foible, blindness, stupidity and foolishness.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 21
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 21
भवभक्तिपरा ये च भवप्रणतचेतसः ॥ भवसंस्मरणा ये च न ते दुःखस्यभाजनाः ॥ २१ ॥
bhavabhaktiparA ye ca bhavapraNatacetasaH ॥ bhavasaMsmaraNA ye ca na te duHkhasyabhAjanAH ॥ 21 ॥
Those who are devotedly attached to Śiva, those whose minds are turned towards Śiva and those who constantly remember Śiva, never become victims of misery.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 22
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 22
भवनानि मनोज्ञानि मनोज्ञाभरणाः स्त्रियः ॥ धनं च तुष्टिपर्यंतं पुत्रपौत्रादिसंततिः ॥२२॥
bhavanAni manojJAni manojJAbharaNAH striyaH ॥ dhanaM ca tuSTiparyaMtaM putrapautrAdisaMtatiH ॥22॥
Beautiful houses, women adorned with enchanting ornaments, Wealth sufficient to bring contentment, and a lineage of sons and grandsons.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 23
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 23
आरोग्यं च शरीरं च प्रतिष्ठां चाप्यलौकिकीम् ॥ ये वांछंति महाभागाः सुखं वा त्रिदशालयम् ॥२३ ॥
ArogyaM ca zarIraM ca pratiSThAM cApyalaukikIm ॥ ye vAMchaMti mahAbhAgAH sukhaM vA tridazAlayam ॥23 ॥
Good health, a strong body, and extraordinary fame— Those who desire these, along with happiness in the abode of the gods (heaven), are truly fortunate.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 24
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 24
अंते मुक्तिफलं चैव भक्तिं वा परमेशितुः ॥ पूर्वपुण्यातिरेकेण तेऽर्चयंति सदाशिवम् ॥ २४ ॥
aMte muktiphalaM caiva bhaktiM vA paramezituH ॥ pUrvapuNyAtirekeNa te'rcayaMti sadAzivam ॥ 24 ॥
In the end, they attain the fruit of liberation or supreme devotion to the Lord. Due to the abundance of their past merits, they worship the eternal Shiva.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 25
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 25
योऽर्चयेच्छिवलिंगं वै नित्यं भक्तिपरायणः ॥ तस्य वै सफला सिद्धिर्न स पापैः प्रयुज्यते ॥ २५ ॥
yo'rcayecchivaliMgaM vai nityaM bhaktiparAyaNaH ॥ tasya vai saphalA siddhirna sa pApaiH prayujyate ॥ 25 ॥
Sure success will be his who regularly worships Śiva liṅga with great devotion. He will never be afflicted by sins.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 26
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 26
ब्रह्मोवाच ॥ इत्युक्ताश्च तदा देवाः प्रणिपत्य हरिं स्वयम् ॥ लिंगानि प्रार्थयामासुस्सर्वकामाप्तये नृणाम् ॥ २६ ॥
brahmovAca ॥ ityuktAzca tadA devAH praNipatya hariM svayam ॥ liMgAni prArthayAmAsussarvakAmAptaye nRNAm ॥ 26 ॥
Brahmā said: Thus exhorted, the devas knelt before Viṣṇu and requested for liṅgas for the achievement of the desires of all people.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 27
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 27
तच्छ्रुत्वा च तदा विष्णु विश्वकर्माणमब्रवीत ॥ अहं च मुनिशार्दूल जीवोद्धारपरायणः ॥ २७ ॥
tacchrutvA ca tadA viSNu vizvakarmANamabravIta ॥ ahaM ca munizArdUla jIvoddhAraparAyaNaH ॥ 27 ॥
O foremost among sages, then, on hearing the request, Viṣṇu, eager for the uplift of all living beings, told Viśvakarman. I too told him.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 28
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 28
विश्वकर्मन्यथा शंभोः कल्पयित्वा शुभानि च॥ लिंगानि सर्वदेवेभ्यो देयानि वचनान्मम ॥ २८ ॥
vizvakarmanyathA zaMbhoH kalpayitvA zubhAni ca॥ liMgAni sarvadevebhyo deyAni vacanAnmama ॥ 28 ॥
“O Viśvakarman, at my bidding, Śiva’s auspicious liṅgas shall be made and given to all devas”.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 29
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 29
ब्रह्मोवाच ॥ लिंगानि कल्पयित्वेवमधिकारानुरूपतः ॥ विश्वकर्मा ददौ तेभ्यो नियोगान्मम वा हरेः॥२९॥
brahmovAca ॥ liMgAni kalpayitvevamadhikArAnurUpataH ॥ vizvakarmA dadau tebhyo niyogAnmama vA hareH॥29॥
At our bidding Viśvakarmā made liṅgas and gave them to the devas according to their status.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 30
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 30
तदेव कथयाम्यद्य श्रूयतामृषिसत्तम॥ पद्मरागमयं शक्रो हेम विश्र वसस्सुतः॥2-1-12-३०॥
tadeva kathayAmyadya zrUyatAmRSisattama॥ padmarAgamayaM zakro hema vizra vasassutaH॥2-1-12-30॥
O foremost among sages, I shall tell you the same, please listen. Indra took a liṅga made of Ruby. The son of Viśravas (Naiśravaṇa or Kubera) took a liṅga of gold.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 31
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 31
पीतं मणिमयं धर्मो वरुणश्श्यामलं शिवम् ॥ इन्द्रनीलमयं विष्णुर्ब्रह्मा हेममयं तथा॥३१॥
pItaM maNimayaM dharmo varuNazzyAmalaM zivam ॥ indranIlamayaM viSNurbrahmA hemamayaM tathA॥31॥
Dharma took a liṅga of yellow stone, Varuṇa took a liṅga of dark blue hue. Viṣṇu took a liṅga of sapphire. I, Brahmā, took a liṅga of gold.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 32
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 32
विश्वेदेवास्तथा रौप्यं वसवश्च तथैव च ॥ आरकूटमयं वापि पार्थिवं ह्यश्विनौ मुने ॥३२॥
vizvedevAstathA raupyaM vasavazca tathaiva ca ॥ ArakUTamayaM vApi pArthivaM hyazvinau mune ॥32॥
The Viśvedevas and the Vasus took silver liṅgas. O sage, the Aśvini devas took the brazen and earthen liṅgas.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 33
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 33
लक्ष्मीश्च स्फाटिकं देवी ह्यादित्यास्ताम्रनिर्मितम् ॥ मौक्तिकं सोमराजो वै वज्रलिंगं विभावसुः ॥३३॥
lakSmIzca sphATikaM devI hyAdityAstAmranirmitam ॥ mauktikaM somarAjo vai vajraliMgaM vibhAvasuH ॥33॥
Goddess Lakṣmī took a crystal liṅga. The Ādityas (the twelve suns) took liṅgas made of copper. The moon took a liṅga made of pearl and the god of fire took a liṅga of diamond.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 34
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 34
मृण्मयं चैव विप्रेंद्रा विप्रपत्न्यस्तथैव च ॥ चांदनं च मयो नागाः प्रवालमयमादरात् ॥३४॥
mRNmayaM caiva vipreMdrA viprapatnyastathaiva ca ॥ cAMdanaM ca mayo nAgAH pravAlamayamAdarAt ॥34॥
Translation not available.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 35
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 35
नवनीतमयं देवी योगी भस्ममयं तथा॥ यक्षा दधिमयं लिंगं छाया पिष्टमयं तथा ॥३५॥
navanItamayaM devI yogI bhasmamayaM tathA॥ yakSA dadhimayaM liMgaM chAyA piSTamayaM tathA ॥35॥
The Goddesses took the liṅgas of butter; the Yogins took liṅgas of the ash; the Yakṣas took liṅgas of curd and the deity Chāyā took a liṅga of beaten flour.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 36
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 36
शिवलिंगं च ब्रह्माणी रत्नं पूजयति ध्रुवम्॥ पारदं पार्थिवं बाणस्समर्चति परेऽपि वा ॥ ३६॥
zivaliMgaM ca brahmANI ratnaM pUjayati dhruvam॥ pAradaM pArthivaM bANassamarcati pare'pi vA ॥ 36॥
The Goddess Brahmāṇī worships, of course, the Liṅga of Ratna (precious gem). Bāṇa and others worshipped a liṅga of mercury.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 37
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 37
एवं विधानि लिंगानि दत्तानि विश्वकर्मणा ॥ ते पूजयंति सर्वे वै देवा ऋषिगणा स्तथा ॥३७॥
evaM vidhAni liMgAni dattAni vizvakarmaNA ॥ te pUjayaMti sarve vai devA RSigaNA stathA ॥37॥
Thus different kinds of liṅgas were given to them by Viśvakarmā which the devas and the celestial sages worship regularly.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 38
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 38
विष्णुर्दत्त्वा च लिंगानि देवेभ्यो हितकाम्यया॥ पूजाविधिं समाचष्ट ब्रह्मणे मे पिनाकिनः ॥३८॥
viSNurdattvA ca liMgAni devebhyo hitakAmyayA॥ pUjAvidhiM samAcaSTa brahmaNe me pinAkinaH ॥38॥
After giving the devas the various liṅgas from a desire for their benefit, Viṣṇu explained the mode of worship of Śiva to me, Brahmā.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 39
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 39
तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य ब्रह्माहं देवसत्तमैः ॥ आगच्छं च स्वकं धाम हर्षनिर्भरमानसः ॥३९॥
tacchrutvA vacanaM tasya brahmAhaM devasattamaiH ॥ AgacchaM ca svakaM dhAma harSanirbharamAnasaH ॥39॥
After listening to it, I, Brahmā, the foremost among devas, came back to my abode highly delighted in mind.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 40
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 40
तत्रागत्य ऋषीन्सर्वान्देवांश्चाहं तथा मुने॥ शिवपूजाविधिं सम्यगब्रुवं सकलेष्टदम् ॥2-1-12-४०॥
tatrAgatya RSInsarvAndevAMzcAhaM tathA mune॥ zivapUjAvidhiM samyagabruvaM sakaleSTadam ॥2-1-12-40॥
O sage, after reaching the place I explained the mode of worshipping Śiva that yields desires to the devas and sages.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 41
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 41
ब्रह्मोवाच॥ श्रूयतामृषयः सर्वे सामराः प्रेमतत्पराः ॥ शिवपूजाविधिं प्रीत्या कथये भुक्तिमुक्तिदम् ॥४१ ॥
brahmovAca॥ zrUyatAmRSayaH sarve sAmarAH prematatparAH ॥ zivapUjAvidhiM prItyA kathaye bhuktimuktidam ॥41 ॥
“O sages and devas, be pleased to hear with love and pleasure. I am going to explain lovingly the mode of worshipping Śiva that confers worldly pleasures and salvation.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 42
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 42
मानुषं जन्म संप्राप्य दुर्लभं सर्वजंतुषु ॥ तत्रापि सत्कुले देवा दुष्प्राप्यं च मुनीश्वराः ॥४२॥
mAnuSaM janma saMprApya durlabhaM sarvajaMtuSu ॥ tatrApi satkule devA duSprApyaM ca munIzvarAH ॥42॥
The life as a human being is very difficult to obtain among all living beings. O devas, O sages, a life in a good family is still more difficult.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 43
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 43
अव्यंगं चैव विप्रेषु साचारेषु सपुण्यतः ॥ शिवसंतोषहेतोश्च कर्मस्वोक्तं समाचरेत् ॥ ४३ ॥
avyaMgaM caiva vipreSu sAcAreSu sapuNyataH ॥ zivasaMtoSahetozca karmasvoktaM samAcaret ॥ 43 ॥
After obtaining the still more difficult birth in a brahmin family of good conduct on account of great merits one shall perform rites assigned to propitiate Śiva.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 44
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 44
यद्यज्जातिसमुद्दिष्टं तत्तत्कर्म न लंघयेत् ॥ यावद्दानस्य संपत्तिस्तावत्कर्म समावहेत् ॥ ४४ ॥
yadyajjAtisamuddiSTaM tattatkarma na laMghayet ॥ yAvaddAnasya saMpattistAvatkarma samAvahet ॥ 44 ॥
No one shall transgress duties assigned to his caste. Charitable gifts and sacred rites shall be performed to the extent of one’s capacity and affluence.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 45
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 45
कर्मयज्ञसहस्रेभ्यस्तपोयज्ञो विशिष्यते ॥ तपोयज्ञसहस्रेभ्यो जपयज्ञो विशिष्यते ॥४५॥
karmayajJasahasrebhyastapoyajJo viziSyate ॥ tapoyajJasahasrebhyo japayajJo viziSyate ॥45॥
The Tapoyajña (sacrifice in the form of penance) is far superior to thousands of Karmayajñas (ritualistic sacrifices). The Japayajña (sacrifice in the form of Japas) is far superior to thousands of Tapoyajñas (sacrifices in the form of penance).
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 46
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 46
ध्यानयज्ञात्परं नास्ति ध्यानं ज्ञानस्य साधनम् ॥ यतस्समरसं स्वेष्टं यागी ध्यानेन पश्यति ॥४६ ॥
dhyAnayajJAtparaM nAsti dhyAnaM jJAnasya sAdhanam ॥ yatassamarasaM sveSTaM yAgI dhyAnena pazyati ॥46 ॥
There is nothing superior to Dhyānayajña (meditation) which is the cause of true knowledge, since the yogin is able to see his favourite (deity) of equanimity through meditation.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 47
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 47
ध्यानयज्ञरतस्यास्य सदा संनिहितश्शिवः ॥ नास्ति विज्ञानिनां किंचित्प्रायश्चित्तादिशोधनम् ॥ ४७ ॥
dhyAnayajJaratasyAsya sadA saMnihitazzivaH ॥ nAsti vijJAninAM kiMcitprAyazcittAdizodhanam ॥ 47 ॥
Śiva is always present near a person set in meditation. There is no necessity for any atonement or expiation for a person of true knowledge.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 48
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 48
विशुद्धा विद्यया ये च ब्रह्मन्ब्रह्मविदो जनाः ॥ नास्ति क्रिया च तेषां वै सुखं दुखं विचारतः ॥ ४८ ॥
vizuddhA vidyayA ye ca brahmanbrahmavido janAH ॥ nAsti kriyA ca teSAM vai sukhaM dukhaM vicArataH ॥ 48 ॥
O gods, persons who have realised Brahman through pure learning need not perform any rite. They are freed from happiness or misery.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 49
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 49
धर्माधर्मौ जपो होमो ध्यानं ध्यानविधिस्तथा ॥ सर्वदा निर्विकारास्ते विद्यया च तयामराः ॥ ४९ ॥
dharmAdharmau japo homo dhyAnaM dhyAnavidhistathA ॥ sarvadA nirvikArAste vidyayA ca tayAmarAH ॥ 49 ॥
Virtue or evil, sacrifice or Japa, meditation or rules regarding the same. By virtue of their learning they are free from base passions and physical changes and decays.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 50
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 50
परानंदकरं लिंगं विशुद्धं शिवमक्षरम् ॥ निष्कलं सर्वगं ज्ञेयं योगिनां हृदि संस्थितम् ॥2-1-12-५०॥
parAnaMdakaraM liMgaM vizuddhaM zivamakSaram ॥ niSkalaM sarvagaM jJeyaM yoginAM hRdi saMsthitam ॥2-1-12-50॥
The liṅga present in the hearts of Yogins is the purest, blissful, auspicious, undying, all-pervasive and unsullied.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 51
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 51
लिंगं द्विविधं प्रोक्तं बाह्यमाभ्यंतरं द्विजाः ॥ बाह्यं स्थूलं समुद्दिष्टं सूक्ष्ममाभ्यंतरं मतम्॥५१॥
liMgaM dvividhaM proktaM bAhyamAbhyaMtaraM dvijAH ॥ bAhyaM sthUlaM samuddiSTaM sUkSmamAbhyaMtaraM matam॥51॥
O brahmins, liṅga is of two types: the exterior and the interior. The exterior is gross and the interior is subtle.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 52
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 52
कर्मयज्ञरता ये च स्थूललिंगार्चने रताः ॥ असतां भावनार्थाय सूक्ष्मेण स्थूलविग्रहाः ॥ ५२ ॥
karmayajJaratA ye ca sthUlaliMgArcane ratAH ॥ asatAM bhAvanArthAya sUkSmeNa sthUlavigrahAH ॥ 52 ॥
Those who are engaged in ritualistic sacrifices and do regularly worship the gross liṅga are unable to steady the mind by meditating upon the subtle and hence they use the gross liṅga.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 53
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 53
आध्यात्मिकं यल्लिंगं प्रत्यक्षं यस्य नो भवेत् ॥ स तल्लिंगे तथा स्थूले कल्पयेच्च न चान्यथा ॥ ५३ ॥
AdhyAtmikaM yalliMgaM pratyakSaM yasya no bhavet ॥ sa talliMge tathA sthUle kalpayecca na cAnyathA ॥ 53 ॥
He who has not mastered the liṅga of the mind, the subtle one, must perform the worship in the gross liṅga and not otherwise.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 54
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 54
ज्ञानिनां सूक्ष्मममलं भावात्प्रत्यक्षमव्ययम् ॥ यथा स्थूलमयुक्तानामुत्कृष्टादौ प्रकल्पितम् ॥ ५४ ॥
jJAninAM sUkSmamamalaM bhAvAtpratyakSamavyayam ॥ yathA sthUlamayuktAnAmutkRSTAdau prakalpitam ॥ 54 ॥
The pure undying subtle liṅga is ever perceived by the masters of true knowledge in the same manner as the gross one is thought to be very excellent by those who are not yogins.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 55
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 55
अहो विचारतो नास्ति ह्यन्यत्तत्वार्थवादिनः ॥ निष्कलं सकलं चित्ते सर्वं शिवमयं जगत् ॥ ५५ ॥
aho vicArato nAsti hyanyattatvArthavAdinaH ॥ niSkalaM sakalaM citte sarvaM zivamayaM jagat ॥ 55 ॥
If we consider properly there is nothing else for the real interpreter. Whatever is Niṣkala or Sakala is of the form of Śiva in the whole universe. This must be constantly thought of in the mind.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 56
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 56
एवं ज्ञानविमुक्तानां नास्ति दोष विकल्पना ॥ विधिश्चैव तथा नास्ति विहिताविहिते तथा ॥ ५६ ॥
evaM jJAnavimuktAnAM nAsti doSa vikalpanA ॥ vidhizcaiva tathA nAsti vihitAvihite tathA ॥ 56 ॥
Even if they are devoid of the ultimate perfect knowledge, no defect or deficiency can be ascribed to them. Rules regarding what shall be done and what shall not be done are not binding on them.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 57
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 57
एवं ज्ञानविमुक्तानां नास्ति दोष विकल्पना ॥ विधिश्चैव तथा नास्ति विहिताविहिते तथा ॥ ५६ ॥
evaM jJAnavimuktAnAM nAsti doSa vikalpanA ॥ vidhizcaiva tathA nAsti vihitAvihite tathA ॥ 56 ॥
The knower, of course, is not at all bound by actions, even if he continues the householder’s life just as the lotus standing in water is not contaminated by the water.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 58
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 58
इति ज्ञानं समुत्पन्नं यावन्नैव नरस्य वै ॥ तावच्च कर्मणा देवं शिवमाराधयेन्नरः ॥ ५८ ॥
iti jJAnaM samutpannaM yAvannaiva narasya vai ॥ tAvacca karmaNA devaM zivamArAdhayennaraH ॥ 58 ॥
Till the realisation of perfect knowledge a man should continue the ritualistic worship of Śiva.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 59
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 59
प्रत्ययार्थं च जगतामेकस्थोऽपि दिवाकरः॥ एकोऽपि बहुधा दृष्टो जलाधारादिवस्तुषु ॥ ५९ ॥
pratyayArthaM ca jagatAmekastho'pi divAkaraH॥ eko'pi bahudhA dRSTo jalAdhArAdivastuSu ॥ 59 ॥
Although the sun is situated in one place, for the sake of the perceptions of the world, he appears in many forms— just as a single object appears multiplied when reflected in different vessels of water.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 60
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 60
दृश्यते श्रूयते लोके यद्यत्सदसदात्मकम् ॥ तत्तत्सर्वं सुरा वित्त परं ब्रह्म शिवात्मकम् ॥ 2-1-12-६० ॥
dRzyate zrUyate loke yadyatsadasadAtmakam ॥ tattatsarvaM surA vitta paraM brahma zivAtmakam ॥ 2-1-12-60 ॥
Whatever is seen or heard in this world, whether it appears as real or unreal, all of it, without exception, is verily of the nature of the Supreme Brahman, Shiva, the Absolute.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 61
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 61
भेदो जलानां लोकेऽस्मिन्प्रतिभावे विचारतः ॥ एवमाहुस्तथा चान्ये सर्वे वेदार्थतत्त्वगाः ॥६१॥
bhedo jalAnAM loke'sminpratibhAve vicArataH ॥ evamAhustathA cAnye sarve vedArthatattvagAH ॥61॥
There is difference in the vessels but not in the water that they contain. This is what those who know the real meaning of the Vedas say.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 62
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 62
हृदि संसारिणः साक्षात्सकलः परमेश्वरः ॥ इति विज्ञानयुक्तस्य किं तस्य प्रतिमादिभिः॥६२ऽ॥
hRdi saMsAriNaH sAkSAtsakalaH paramezvaraH ॥ iti vijJAnayuktasya kiM tasya pratimAdibhiH॥62'॥
“Lord Śiva is within the heart of beings in this world.” Of what avail are the idols to those who have this real knowledge?
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 63
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 63
इति विज्ञानहीनस्य प्रतिमाकल्पना शुभा ॥ पदमुच्चैस्समारोढुं पुंसो ह्यालम्बनं स्मृतम् ॥ ६३ ॥
iti vijJAnahInasya pratimAkalpanA zubhA ॥ padamuccaissamAroDhuM puMso hyAlambanaM smRtam ॥ 63 ॥
Having an idol is very auspicious for a person who has no such knowledge. It is a ladder that enables him to climb to a higher position.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 64
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 64
आलम्बनं विना तस्य पदमुच्चैः सुदुष्करम् ॥ निर्गुणप्राप्तये नॄणां प्रतिमालम्बनं स्मृतम् ॥ ६४ ॥
AlambanaM vinA tasya padamuccaiH suduSkaram ॥ nirguNaprAptaye nRRNAM pratimAlambanaM smRtam ॥ 64 ॥
It is very difficult to climb to a position without a support. The idol is only a means to achieve the Nirguṇa Śiva.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 65
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 65
सगुणानिर्गुणा प्राप्तिर्भवती सुनिश्चितम् ॥ एवं च सर्वदेवानां प्रतिमा प्रत्ययावहा ॥६५॥
saguNAnirguNA prAptirbhavatI sunizcitam ॥ evaM ca sarvadevAnAM pratimA pratyayAvahA ॥65॥
The attainment of the Nirguṇa through a Saguṇa is certainly possible. In this manner, the symbols of all lords are conducive to a steady faith and belief.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 66
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 66
देवश्चायं महीयान्वै तस्यार्थे पूजनं त्विदम् ॥ गंधचन्दनपुष्पादि किमर्थं प्रतिमां विना ॥६६॥
devazcAyaM mahIyAnvai tasyArthe pUjanaM tvidam ॥ gaMdhacandanapuSpAdi kimarthaM pratimAM vinA ॥66॥
This lord is very great and this is the mode of worship of that lord. If there is no idol, of what avail are scents, sandal paste, flowers, etc.?
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 67
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 67
तावच्च प्रतिमा पूज्य यावद्विज्ञानसंभवः ॥ ज्ञानाभावेन पूज्येत पतनं तस्य निश्चितम् ॥ ६७ ॥
tAvacca pratimA pUjya yAvadvijJAnasaMbhavaH ॥ jJAnAbhAvena pUjyeta patanaM tasya nizcitam ॥ 67 ॥
Till the realisation of true knowledge, the idol shall necessarily be worshipped. If any one does not worship the idol before he attains perfect knowledge, his downfall is sure.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 68
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 68
एवस्मात्कारणाद्विप्राः श्रूयतां परमार्थतः॥ स्वजात्युक्तं तु यत्कर्म कर्तव्यं तत्प्रयत्नतः ॥ ६८ ॥
evasmAtkAraNAdviprAH zrUyatAM paramArthataH॥ svajAtyuktaM tu yatkarma kartavyaM tatprayatnataH ॥ 68 ॥
O brahmins, hear the true statement of facts. For the same reason as mentioned before, the duties of your own caste shall be performed assiduously.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 69
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 69
यत्र यत्र यथा भक्तिः कर्तव्यं पूजनादिकम् ॥ विना पूजनदानादि पातकं न च दूरतः ॥६९॥
yatra yatra yathA bhaktiH kartavyaM pUjanAdikam ॥ vinA pUjanadAnAdi pAtakaM na ca dUrataH ॥69॥
Worship shall be performed where devotion is directed. Without worship and charitable gifts, sin cannot be kept at bay.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 70
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 70
यावच्च पातकं देहे तावत्सिद्धिर्न जायते ॥ गते च पातके तस्य सर्वं च सफलं भवेत् ॥2-1-12-७०॥
yAvacca pAtakaM dehe tAvatsiddhirna jAyate ॥ gate ca pAtake tasya sarvaM ca saphalaM bhavet ॥2-1-12-70॥
As long as there is a vestige of sin in the body, achievement need not be expected. When the sin is wiped off, all rites will bear fruit.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 71
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 71
तथा च मलिने वस्त्रे रंगः शुभतरो न हि ॥ क्षालने हि कृते शुद्धे सर्वो रंगः प्रसज्जते ॥ ७१ ॥
tathA ca maline vastre raMgaH zubhataro na hi ॥ kSAlane hi kRte zuddhe sarvo raMgaH prasajjate ॥ 71 ॥
If there is dirt in the cloth the dyeing process cannot be carried out effectively. After the cloth is bleached any dye can be applied to it effectively.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 72
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 72
तथा च निर्मले देहे देवानां सम्यगर्चया ॥ ज्ञानरंगः प्रजायेत तदा विज्ञानसंभवः ॥ ७२ ॥
tathA ca nirmale dehe devAnAM samyagarcayA ॥ jJAnaraMgaH prajAyeta tadA vijJAnasaMbhavaH ॥ 72 ॥
Similarly when the body is freed of its dirty stuff by proper worship of deities, the dye of knowledge can stick to it whence true knowledge will arise.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 73
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 73
विज्ञानस्य च सन्मूलं भक्तिरव्यभिचारिणी ॥ ज्ञानस्यापि च सन्मूलं भक्तिरेवाऽभिधीयते ॥ ७३ ॥
vijJAnasya ca sanmUlaM bhaktiravyabhicAriNI ॥ jJAnasyApi ca sanmUlaM bhaktirevA'bhidhIyate ॥ 73 ॥
The root of true knowledge is unswerving devotion. The root of knowledge too is devotion.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 74
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 74
भक्तेर्मूलं तु सत्कर्म स्वेष्टदेवादिपूजनम् ॥ तन्मूलं सद्गुरुः प्रोक्तस्तन्मूलं संगतिः सताम् ॥ ७४ ।'
bhaktermUlaM tu satkarma sveSTadevAdipUjanam ॥ tanmUlaM sadguruH proktastanmUlaM saMgatiH satAm ॥ 74 ।'
The root of devotion is good action and the worship of one’s own favourite deity. The root of that is the good preceptor. A good preceptor is secured only through association with good people.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 75
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 75
संगत्या गुरुराप्येत गुरोर्मंत्रादि पूजनम् ॥ पूजनाज्जायते भक्तिर्भक्त्या ज्ञानं प्रजायते ॥७५॥।
saMgatyA gururApyeta gurormaMtrAdi pUjanam ॥ pUjanAjjAyate bhaktirbhaktyA jJAnaM prajAyate ॥75॥।
If one associates with good people, one will come across a preceptor. From the preceptor mantras and the modes of worship can be learned. Bhakti (devotion) is generated by worship and it gives birth to knowledge.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 76
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 76
विज्ञानं जायते ज्ञानात्परब्रह्मप्रकाशकम् ॥ विज्ञानं च यदा जातं तदा भेदो निवर्तते ॥७६॥
vijJAnaM jAyate jJAnAtparabrahmaprakAzakam ॥ vijJAnaM ca yadA jAtaM tadA bhedo nivartate ॥76॥
Knowledge leads to perfect knowledge and realisation of the supreme Brahman. When there is perfect knowledge, differentiations cease altogether.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 77
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 77
भेदे निवृत्ते सकले द्वंद्वदुःखविहीनता ॥ द्वंद्वदुःखविहीनस्तु शिवरूपो भवत्यसौ ॥७७॥
bhede nivRtte sakale dvaMdvaduHkhavihInatA ॥ dvaMdvaduHkhavihInastu zivarUpo bhavatyasau ॥77॥
When differentiation ceases, the misery of mutually clashing opposites vanishes. He who is free from the tangle of opposites and the miseries attendant on them assumes the form of Śiva.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 78
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 78
द्वंद्वाप्राप्तौ न जायेतां सुखदुःखे विजानतः ॥ विहिताविहिते तस्य न स्यातां च सुरर्षयः ॥ ७८ ॥
dvaMdvAprAptau na jAyetAM sukhaduHkhe vijAnataH ॥ vihitAvihite tasya na syAtAM ca surarSayaH ॥ 78 ॥
O celestial sages, when the mutually clashing opposites do not afflict, a person endowed with true knowledge has neither happiness nor misery. Rules of do’s and don’ts do not bind him.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 79
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 79
ईदृशो विरलो लोके गृहाश्रमविवर्जितः ॥ यदि लोके भवत्यस्मिन्दर्शनात्पापहारकः ॥७९॥
IdRzo viralo loke gRhAzramavivarjitaH ॥ yadi loke bhavatyasmindarzanAtpApahArakaH ॥79॥
Such a person who has not entered a household life is rare to meet with. If there is such a one he will quell all sins by his mere sight.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 80
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 80
तीर्थानि श्लाघयंतीह तादृशं ज्ञानवित्तमम् ॥ देवाश्च मुनयस्सर्वे परब्रह्मात्मकं शिवम् ॥2-1-12-८०॥
tIrthAni zlAghayaMtIha tAdRzaM jJAnavittamam ॥ devAzca munayassarve parabrahmAtmakaM zivam ॥2-1-12-80॥
Even the holy centres praise such a person of knowledge. Devas and all sages consider him the supreme Brahman, Śiva Himself.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 81
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 81
तादृशानि न तीर्थानि न देवा मृच्छिलामयाः ॥ ते पुनंत्युरुकालेन विज्ञानी दर्शनादपि ॥८१॥
tAdRzAni na tIrthAni na devA mRcchilAmayAH ॥ te punaMtyurukAlena vijJAnI darzanAdapi ॥81॥
The holy centres or the deities in the form of clay or rock idols are not equal to him. They take time in sanctifying persons. But a man of true knowledge purifies through his sheer vision.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 82
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 82
यावद्गृहाश्रमे तिष्ठेत्तावदाकारपूजनम् ॥ कुर्याच्छ्रेष्ठस्य सप्रीत्या सुरेषु खलु पंचसु ॥ ८२ ॥
yAvadgRhAzrame tiSThettAvadAkArapUjanam ॥ kuryAcchreSThasya saprItyA sureSu khalu paMcasu ॥ 82 ॥
As long as he continues the life of a householder he shall perform the worship of the idols of the most excellent of the five deities with pleasure.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 83
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 83
अथवा च शिवः पूज्यो मूलमेकं विशिष्यते ॥ मूले सिक्ते तथा शाखास्तृप्तास्सत्यखिलास्सुराः॥ ८३ ॥
athavA ca zivaH pUjyo mUlamekaM viziSyate ॥ mUle sikte tathA zAkhAstRptAssatyakhilAssurAH॥ 83 ॥
Or it is enough if Śiva alone is worshipped. The root is the most important. When the root is watered, O gods, the branches are well-cared for.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 84
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 84
शाखासु च सुतृप्तासु मूलं तृप्तं न कर्हिचित् ॥ एवं सर्वेषु तृप्तेषु सुरेषु मुनिसत्तमाः ॥८४॥
zAkhAsu ca sutRptAsu mUlaM tRptaM na karhicit ॥ evaM sarveSu tRpteSu sureSu munisattamAH ॥84॥
O excellent sages, if the branches are taken care of, it does not necessarily mean that the root is cared for. When the deities are propitiated, the same analogy holds good.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 85
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 85
सर्वथा शिवतृप्तिर्नो विज्ञेया सूक्ष्मबुद्धिभिः ॥ शिवे च पूजिते देवाः पूजितास्सर्व एव हि॥८५॥
sarvathA zivatRptirno vijJeyA sUkSmabuddhibhiH ॥ zive ca pUjite devAH pUjitAssarva eva hi॥85॥
Our aim shall be to propitiate Śiva if we are sensible. O gods, if Śiva is worshipped, all the gods are worshipped.
Rudra-samhita - Chapter 12 - Verse 86
Shiva Purana (siva.sh) · Chapter 12 · Verse 86
तस्माच्च पूजयेद्देवं शंकरं लोकशंकरम् ॥ सर्वकामफलावाप्त्यै सर्वभूतहिते रतः ॥ ८६ ॥
tasmAcca pUjayeddevaM zaMkaraM lokazaMkaram ॥ sarvakAmaphalAvAptyai sarvabhUtahite rataH ॥ 86 ॥
Hence a person who wants to do good to all living beings shall worship Śiva, the benefactor of the world, for the attainment of all desires.