Shiva Purana (Books 1 & 7)

In the sacred realm of Sanātana Dharma, there exists a profound treasure known as the Rudra-saṃhitā, a scripture revered for its power to cleanse the soul. It is said that anyone who recites this holy text while circumambulating a banyan or bilva tree is liberated from the grievous sin of killing a Brahmin, a crime that weighs heavily on the conscience. Yet, even more exalted than the Rudra-saṃhitā is the Kailāsa-saṃhitā, which embodies the very essence of Brahman and directly reveals the sacred syllable Oṃ, the primordial sound of creation. The depths of the Kailāsa-saṃhitā are known fully by the great Śaṅkara, while Vyāsa grasps half of its mysteries, and I, dear twice-born ones, understand but a fraction of its greatness. I shall share a glimpse, for it is impossible to convey everything; however, even this small knowledge can purify the mind instantly. In truth, I see no sin in the world that this fierce Saṃhitā cannot eradicate. Born joyfully from the ocean of the Upaniṣads and offered to Kumāra, those who partake of this divine nectar are granted immortality. For those who seek atonement for serious transgressions, such as the killing of a Brahmin, reciting this Saṃhitā for just a month can lead to liberation from such sins. Even the stains of improper gifts, impure food, or harmful speech are washed away by a single recitation. When one recites this sacred text within the hallowed walls of a Śiva temple or beneath the shade of a bilva tree, the results are beyond the capacity of words to express. Furthermore, those who, with sincere devotion, recite the Saṃhitā and honor Brahmins during a śrāddha ceremony ensure that their ancestors attain the supreme abode of Śambhu. Fasting on the fourteenth day and reciting the Saṃhitā at the root of a bilva tree invites the direct worship of Śiva, alongside the celestial beings. In addition to these, there are many other Saṃhitās that bestow all desired fruits; both the Rudra and Kailāsa texts are celebrated for their excellence and the profound knowledge they impart. Thus, the Śaiva Purāṇa, on par with the Vedas, was first revealed by Śiva himself, harmonizing with the essence of Brahman. Among the sacred texts, the Vidyeśa, Tāra-Raudra, Vaināyaka, Aumika, Mātṛ, the eleven-part Rudra, Kailāsa, and Śatarudra stand distinguished. There are twelve Saṃhitās, each deemed supremely meritorious, and I shall enumerate them for you, O Brahmins; listen attentively. The Vidyeśa contains ten thousand verses, while the Rudra, Vaināyaka, Aumika, and Mātṛ Purāṇas each hold eight thousand verses. The collection known as the Eleven Rudras comprises thirteen thousand verses, Kailāsa contains six thousand, and the Śatarudra is half that amount. The Koṭirudra boasts three times the eleven thousand verses, and Sahasrakoṭirudra is said to encompass a thousand times ten million Rudras. The Vāyavīya is a hundred times the ocean, while Gharma is a thousand times the sun; thus, the grand total of verses reaches a staggering hundred thousand. Yet, Vyāsa condensed this vast wisdom into twenty-four thousand verses, with the Śaiva Purāṇa being the fourth, consisting of seven saṃhitās. Originally, the Purāṇa was conceived by Śiva, and in its entirety, it was a hundred times ten million verses long, but much of it was forgotten at the dawn of creation. Divided into eighteen during the Dvāpara and other ages, it was further condensed to four hundred thousand by Dvaipāyana and his sages. The Śiva Purāṇa, with its twenty-four thousand verses, is revered for its seven saṃhitās and is esteemed as equal to the Vedas. Among these, the first is called Vidyeśvara, the second Raudrī, the third Śatarudra, and the fourth Koṭirudra. The fifth is known as Uma, the sixth as Kailāsa, and the seventh as Vāyavīya. This divine Purāṇa, named after Śiva and encompassing these seven saṃhitās, is unparalleled, equal to Brahman, and grants the highest spiritual attainment. Whoever, with deep devotion, recites this complete Śiva Purāṇa, rich in its seven saṃhitās, is said to attain liberation while still living. The vast array of Śruti, Smṛti, Purāṇa, Itihāsa, and Āgama texts pales in comparison to the depth of the Śiva Purāṇa. This pure scripture, praised by Śiva, was not merely compiled by Vyāsa, who was devoted to Śiva; it is unique in its ability to benefit all beings, alleviate the threefold suffering, and bestow auspiciousness upon the virtuous. In this sacred text, the dharma is taught without deceit, primarily based on Vedānta knowledge, intended for the wise who are free from envy, firmly established in their understanding, and endowed with the three aims of life. The Śaiva Purāṇa, the crowning jewel of the Purāṇas, radiates with the knowledge of Vedānta and extols the Supreme Reality. Those who recite or listen to it with utmost devotion become dear to Śambhu and reach the highest spiritual goal. As these profound teachings were shared, the supreme sages gathered, eager for wisdom. They beseeched Sūta to recite the wondrous Purāṇa, the very essence of Vedānta. Overcome with joy at their request, Sūta remembered Śaṃkara and addressed the assembly of sages. He invited them to listen attentively to the Śaiva Purāṇa, a text devoted to the Purāṇic tradition and the essence of the Vedas, where the threefold song of devotion, knowledge, and detachment is sung with affection. In this sacred discourse, the true reality, illuminated through Vedānta, is distinctly described. The sages, with their hearts open, were reminded of this Purāṇa, which had been proclaimed in ancient times across many cycles. As the current cycle of creation began, the six clans of sages engaged in deep conversation, and amidst their discourse, a great dispute arose regarding what was supreme. Seeking resolution, they approached the imperishable Brahma, the creator, to inquire about the ultimate truth.