Chapter 1 of 20 · Rudra Samhita - Srishti Khanda · Overall chapter 33 of 464
The Sages Ask
The sages at Naimisharanya, having heard the Vidyeshvara Samhita, ask Suta for Shiva's own form and pastimes directly - how the nirguna Shiva assumes saguna form, how he is established before, during and after creation, and the story of Uma's origin and marriage. Suta answers that this is exactly what Narada once asked his own father, Brahma.
Opening verses
I bow to Shri Ganesha. I bow to Gouri and Shankara. Here begins the second Samhita, the Rudra Samhita. Gouri's husband is the cause of the creation, preservation and dissolution of the universe. He knows the truth and his deeds are endless. He makes use of maya yet is himself beyond maya, and his form cannot be thought of. His faultless form is pure understanding. I bow to that Shiva. I bow to infinite Shiva, who exists before Prakriti, the tranquil Purushottama. By his own maya he made everything, and like space he is both inside it and outside. I bow to Shiva whose own secret form is not manifest, who himself acted to make this universe. The universe constantly turns around him as iron filings turn around a magnet.
Vyasa said
Shambhu is the father of the universe, Shivaa its mother, and Ganadhisha their son. I will describe the story after taking refuge in them. Once, the sages who lived at Naimisharanya, Shounaka and the others, filled with supreme devotion, questioned Suta.
The rishis said
We have heard the virtuous, auspicious account of the Vidyeshvara Samhita. That beautiful account speaks of the goal and the means and is loved by devotees. Suta, very fortunate one, may you be happy and live forever. Father, now let us hear Shankara's supreme account. This undecaying knowledge is like amrita. We have drunk this account from your lotus mouth and are still not content, so we wish to ask you more, faultless one. By Vyasa's favour you know everything and have accomplished your aim. Nothing is unknown to you, past, present or future. Through your devotion you gained the supreme compassion of your guru Vyasa, and you in particular have come to know everything. You have made your life meaningful and successful. Wise one, tell us now of Shiva's supreme form, and especially of the divine conduct of Shiva and Shivaa. Maheshvara is without qualities. How does he take a form with qualities in this world? Though we reflect on it, we do not know Shiva's true nature. Before creation, how is Shambhu's own form established? In the midst of creation, how does the Lord keep up his pastimes? At the end, how is the god Maheshvara established? How is Shankara, who brings auspiciousness to the world, pleased? When Mahesha is pleased, what auspicious fruits does he give his own devotees and others? Tell us all this. We have heard that Bhagavan is pleased at once, and full of compassion cannot bear to see his devotees make great efforts. Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha, these three arose from the god Shiva's body. When Mahesha is complete, he is himself like another Shiva. Tell us of his manifestations and especially his conduct. Lord, also tell us of Uma's origin and her marriage, their household life and supreme pastimes. Faultless one, tell us all this and whatever else is worth telling.
Vyasa continued
Asked so, Suta was filled with joy. He remembered Shambhu's lotus feet and answered the lords among sages.
Suta said
Lords among sages, you have asked rightly. You are blessed. Your understanding is such that faith has arisen toward Sadashiva's account. Questions about Sadashiva's account purify three kinds of men and women: those who ask, those who tell and those who hear, like the waters of the Jahnavi. Brahmanas, except for those who kill animals, who would not be delighted at a recital of Shambhu's qualities? It always delights three kinds of people. Recited by one whose thirst has been put out, it is medicine for the disease of worldly existence. It delights mind and ears and gives every aim. According to my understanding I will tell you the substance of your questions and Shiva's pastimes. Brahmanas, listen lovingly. What you have asked me is just what Narada asked his father when Hari, who is nothing but a form of Shiva, sent him. Brahma is Shiva's devotee, so on hearing his son's words his mind was pleased. Full of delight and joy, he told that excellent sage about Shiva's fame.
Vyasa continued
Hearing Suta's words, the excellent brahmanas were full of curiosity and asked about that excellent conversation.
The rishis said
Suta, very fortunate and intelligent, supreme devotee of Shiva, hearing your enchanting words our minds are full of curiosity. When did this great, happiness-giving conversation between Vidhatri and Narada take place? That conversation was about Girisha's supreme pastimes and frees one from worldly existence. Father, please tell us the conversation that took place earlier between Vidhatri and Narada about Shankara's fame, and the substance of the questions.
Vyasa continued
Hearing the sages, whose selves were cleansed, Suta was greatly delighted and answered, giving the conversation in detail.
Retold in our own words from Bibek Debroy's English translation of the Shiva Purana (Penguin Classics). Names, numbers and the order of events follow the source.