Chapter Six:
Shaunak Ji, seated in the deep shadows of that ancient forest, with a profound curiosity in his eyes, said to Sut Ji—O wise Sut Ji! You are blessed, the foremost among Shiva's devotees, whose voice echoes with the resonance of Mahadev himself. Bestow your grace upon us, and reveal the secret method of listening to the auspicious Shiv Puran, which grants all listeners the complete and supreme fruit. That method, which not only reaches the ears, but immerses the soul in Shiva's leela in a mysterious way, where every word opens a door to a hidden mystery.
Sut Ji, whose eyes reflected the infinite depths of Shiva, took a deep breath and spoke—O sage Shaunak! In the fire of your devotion, I shall describe to you in detail the method of the Shiv Puran, which is the mysterious path to attaining the complete fruit. This method is no ordinary rule, but a secret journey, where every step hides Shiva's mystery, and whoever adopts it becomes free from the bonds of the world and merges into eternal bliss.
First and foremost, summon an astrologer who knows the secret language of the stars, satisfy him with donations, and have him determine the auspicious muhurta for the katha. That muhurta, drawn from the mysteries of the sky, and send notice of it to all people—that the Shiv Puran katha is to take place here, a tale that will touch the depths of the soul. Those who desire their own welfare, who dream of Shiva in the sleep of nights, must come to listen. In countries far and wide, in distant corners, invite with respect all devotees of Lord Shiva—those who chant Shiva's name in the silence of the night, eager for the singing and hearing of Shiva's tales. Honor and welcome them, as one would a secret guest, for their presence will make the katha even more mysterious.
For listening to the Shiv Puran, construct an excellent place in the sacred ground of a temple, on the mysterious banks of a tirtha, in the dense shade of a forest region, or in the secret chamber of a home. Prepare a katha mandap adorned with banana pillars, shining like moonlight in the darkness of night. Decorate it all around with fruits and flowers, cover it with beautiful canopies that sway in the wind, creating whispers of mystery. Place flags on all four corners and adorn it with various materials, so that the mandap becomes not just a sight, but the center of a living mystery. Devotedly construct a divine seat for Lord Shankar, such a seat that invites his infinite power, and also a divine seat for the katha narrator, from where the flow of words touches the souls of the listeners. Arrange suitable seats for those who listen to the katha according to the rules, and also for others, so that no one is deprived of this mysterious assembly. Never harbor ill feelings towards the learned narrator of the katha, for he is Shiva's messenger, and casting an evil eye on him is to challenge Shiva himself.
In the world, there are many gurus due to birth and qualities, but among them all, the knower of the Puranas is considered the supreme guru—he who knows the hidden secrets of the Puranas. The Purana expert should be pure, calm, saintly, victorious over envy, and compassionate. Such a virtuous person should narrate this meritorious katha, for in his words lies Shiva's mystery, which captivates the listener. The appropriate time to narrate it is from sunrise to three and a half pahars, when the sun's rays mysteriously awaken the earth. During midday, pause the katha for two gharis, so that people can relieve themselves of impurities and maintain their purity, for impurity locks the key to this mystery.
On the day before the katha begins, observe a fast—a fast that leads the soul towards the mystery. During the days of the katha, perform the morning daily rites briefly, so that the mind can fully turn towards Shiva. Seat a learned person beside the speaker to assist him, one skilled in dispelling all kinds of doubts and explaining to the people—like a gatekeeper of mystery, who removes every suspicion and grants entry into the depths of the katha. To remove obstacles that arise in the katha, first worship Lord Ganesha, for he is the remover of obstacles, and without his blessings, no mystery unfolds. Worship Lord Shiva and the Shiv Puran with devotion, a worship that touches the heart and peels away layers of mystery. Thereafter, the listeners, purified in body and mind, should respectfully hear the Shiv Puran katha, as if searching for a hidden treasure.
Those speakers and listeners who wander due to various actions, afflicted by the six vices like lust—they like travelers lost in darkness—cannot partake in the merit. Their souls cannot receive the mystery that Shiva bestows. Those people who forget all their worries and immerse their minds in the katha—like a lover lost in his beloved—those pure-minded individuals attain the supreme fruit. This fruit is no ordinary one, but a mystery that transforms life, leading towards liberation.
And thus, O listeners, this method of listening to the Shiv Puran is not merely a rule, but an eternal journey, where every word hides Shiva's mystery. Whoever adopts it becomes free from the sorrows of the world and merges into Shiva's eternal peace. Does this mystery not touch your soul? Listen, and feel— for the invocation of Shiva is never in vain, and this tale will settle in your mind forever, leaving an indelible imprint.
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