Who is the greatest and truest devotee of Lord Shiva???

 First of all, to the one from whom everyone was born, who is the first, eternal, and infinite, my salutations to the Supreme Father, Lord Shiva ❤️

According to me and my opinion, it is none other than Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu. So, let’s explore this in our new post today ❤️😌

1. भगवानुवाच नरस्त्वं पूर्वदेहे वै नारायणसहायवान् । बदर्या तप्तवानुग्रं तपो वर्षायुतान्बहून् त्वयि वा परमं तेजो विष्णौ वा पुरुषोत्तमे । ॥१॥

Srī Bhagavaan said, “ Oh Phalguna! In ancient times you were renowned by the name of Maharishi Nara, having Srīman Naaraayana as your companion you performed severe Austerities at Badrikashrama. Through the powers of his yogic Penance, Vishnu created you, this universe is held by the great energy manifesting out of you and Bhagavaan Purushottama.

Source :- Mahabharata Critical Edition Aranya Parva 41.1

• In this verse from the Mahabharata (Aranyaka Parva 41.1), it is revealed that Arjuna, in his previous birth, was Maharishi Nara, who performed intense austerities at Badrikashrama together with his eternal companion, Narayana (Vishnu). Both engaged in severe penance for thousands of years, and from that penance arose immense divine energy which sustains the universe, manifesting through Nara and resting in Vishnu, the Supreme Purushottama. This passage highlights that even Vishnu, in his Narayana form, was engaged in deep tapasya (a mark of devotion) at a site traditionally associated with Lord Shiva, thereby indicating the reverence and devotion shown towards Shiva’s path of austerity.

2. केशवेन पुरा विप्र कुर्वता तप उत्तमम् । अर्चितो देवदेवेन शङ्करश्चेति नः श्रुतम् ॥ ३ देवौ तत्र जगन्नाथौ दृष्टवन्तौ पुरातनौ। अर्चयाञ्चक्रिरे देवा इन्द्राद्याः शङ्करं हरिम् ॥ ४ ।।

Janamejya said, “Oh Rishi! It has been recounted by ancient sages that at Badrikashrama, Srī Keshava through deep Penance had obtained sight of Bhagavaan Shankara and had worshipped him to obtain his Grace. All Devas with Indra at forefront, were assembled their to get the Glimpses of Parmeshvarā Shiva and Jagadishvarā Srī Hari.

Source :- Mahabharata Harivamsham Parva, Bhavishya Upaparva 73.3–4

• In this passage it is narrated that at Badrikashrama, long ago, Shri Keshava (Vishnu) himself performed great austerities and, through his penance, obtained the divine vision of Lord Shankara, whom he then worshipped to receive his grace. The text further describes that at that very place the two eternal Lords, Shankara and Hari, were seen together, and all the gods, led by Indra, assembled to witness and worship both—the Supreme Master Shiva and the Universal Lord Hari. This clearly illustrates that even Vishnu, through his Keshava form, sought Shiva’s blessings by penance and worship, establishing that mutual reverence existed between the two Supreme Deities, with Vishnu openly acknowledging Shiva’s supremacy as Devadeva.

3.

TRANSLATION

Maharishi Pulastya said, “ Oh Gangeya! Then one should proceed to worship Badrikeshvara Mahadeva while following proper puja Viddhi. The one who Worships Mahadeva in this way avoids all Troubles and attains Heaven.

Source :- Mahabharata Critical Edition Aranya Parva 82.34

• Maharishi Pulastya instructs that after completing the sacred journey, one should worship Badrikeshvara Mahadeva with proper rituals and devotion. He declares that whoever worships Lord Mahadeva in this way becomes free from all troubles and attains the highest heavenly realms. This shows that at Badrikashrama—the very place where Nara–Narayana performed penance and where even Keshava (Vishnu) worshipped Shiva—Mahadeva is revered as the central deity, establishing his supreme position as the one who grants liberation and divine blessings, even to the gods themselves.

4. ततो गच्छेत्सुवर्णाक्षं त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम् । यत्र विष्णुः प्रसादार्थ रुद्रमार। घयत्पुरा ॥ १६ ॥ वरांश्च सुबहूँल्लेभे दैवतेषु सुदुर्लभन् । उक्तश्च त्रिपुरग्नेन परितुष्टेन भारत ॥ १७॥ अपि चास्मत्प्रियतरो लोके कृष्ण भविष्यलि । ॥ १८॥ त्वन्मुखं च जगत्कृत्स्नं भविष्यति न संशयःतत्राभिगम्य राजेन्द्र पूजयित्वा वृषध्वजम् ।अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति गाणपत्यं च विन्दति ॥ १९ ॥

Oh best among Bharatas! One should then proceed towards the highly renowned Teertha named Survanksha. In ancient times, Vishnu Worshipped his Aradhya Rudra their and obtained his grace along with Various Rare boons. The Destroyer of Tripura was highly pleased with Vishnu's devotion and said, “Oh Hari! In future through my favours you will incarnate on earth as Krishna, You shall be invincible throughout the Universe. ” Oh Rajendra! One who goes their and Worships Bhagavaan Shiva with Devotion attain the Merits of Performing Sacred Ashwamedha Yajna, he gain the padha of Ganapati.

Source :- Mahabharata Critical Edition Aranya Parva 82. 13–19

• In the Mahabharata (Aranyaka Parva 82.13–19), it is stated that at the sacred Survarnaksha Tirtha, Vishnu himself once worshipped his Aradhya, Rudra, in order to obtain blessings. Greatly pleased by Vishnu’s devotion, Lord Tripurari granted him rare boons and proclaimed, “O Hari, in the future, by my grace, you shall incarnate on earth as Krishna and become invincible throughout the universe. All beings shall look towards you as their guide.” The text further emphasizes that whoever visits this holy place and worships Lord Shiva with devotion acquires the merit of performing an Ashwamedha Yajna and attains the status of Ganapati. This episode clearly demonstrates not only Vishnu’s devotion and subordination to Shiva but also that his supreme incarnation as Krishna was granted and blessed directly by Mahadeva.

5. मलिकण्ठ उवाच मत्प्रसादान्यनुष्येषु देवगन्धर्वयोनिषु । अप्रमेयबलात्मा त्वं नारायण अविष्यसि ॥ ७४ ॥न च त्या प्रसहिष्यन्ति देवासुरमहोरगाः । न पिशाचा न गन्धर्षा न जरा न च राक्षसाः ॥ ७५ ॥ न सुपर्णास्तथा नागा न च विश्वे वियोनिजाः। न कश्चित्त्वां च देवोऽपि समरेषु विजेष्यति ।। ७६ ।।

Nilakantha said, “O Naryana! Through my favours, your strength and soul will be immeasurable, among men, gods and gandharvas. Gods, asuras, giant serpents, pishachas, gandharvas, men, rakshasas, birds, snakes and other beings born in this universe will not be able to withstand you. The gods will not be able to defeat you in a battle. Through my favours, no one will ever be able to cause you injury through weapons, the vajra, fire, wind, an object that is wet or dry, or an object that is mobile or immobile. ”

• Source :- Mahabharata Critical Edition Naaraāyanāstra Moksha Parva 172.74–76

6. मलिकण्ठ उवाच मत्प्रसादान्यनुष्येषु देवगन्धर्वयोनिषु । अप्रमेयबलात्मा त्वं नारायण अविष्यसि ॥ ७४ ॥न च त्या प्रसहिष्यन्ति देवासुरमहोरगाः । न पिशाचा न गन्धर्षा न जरा न च राक्षसाः ॥ ७५ ॥ न सुपर्णास्तथा नागा न च विश्वे वियोनिजाः। न कश्चित्त्वां च देवोऽपि समरेषु विजेष्यति ।। ७६ ।।

Nilakantha said, “O Naryana! Through my favours, your strength and soul will be immeasurable, among men, gods and gandharvas. Gods, asuras, giant serpents, pishachas, gandharvas, men, rakshasas, birds, snakes and other beings born in this universe will not be able to withstand you. The gods will not be able to defeat you in a battle. Through my favours, no one will ever be able to cause you injury through weapons, the vajra, fire, wind, an object that is wet or dry, or an object that is mobile or immobile. ”

Source :- Mahabharata Critical Edition Naaraāyanāstra Moksha Parva 172.74–76

7. ऽसौ नारायणो नाम पूर्वेषामपि पूर्वजः । अजायत व कार्यार्थ पुत्रो धर्मस्य विश्वकृत् ॥ ५१ ॥

Srīman Vyasa said, “Oh Drona Kumar! The one who is the most ancient of all our Ancestors is that Vishwadhari Bhagavaan Naaraāyanaā. For having Desire to obtain Prayojanak Siddhi, he became Dharma's Son. He went to Mountains to Practice Tapas.

Source :- Mahabharata Critical Edition Naaraāyanāstra Moksha Parva 172. 51

8. व्यास उवाच एवमेते बरा लब्धाः पुरस्ताद्विद्धि शौरिणा । स एष देवश्चरति मायया मोहयञ्जगत् ॥ ७९॥

Srīman Vyasa said, “Oh Ashwathama! Know that this Krishna was Previously Called Naaraāyanaā who desiring Fame Had Worshipped Mahadeva for boons, it is that Ishvara Alone that today roams Throughout the three world confining everything in his Maya.

Source :- Mahabharata Critical Edition Naaraāyanāstra Moksha Parva 172. 89

9. अस्तौषं त्वां तब संमानमिष्छन्विचिन्वन्वै लवृषं देववर्य । ॥ ७२ ॥ सुदुर्लभान्देहि बरान्ममेष्टानभिष्टुतः प्रतिकार्षीश्च ना माम्

Srīman Naaraāyanaā spoke, “ Oh Sureshvarā! I have worshipped you with Stutis and indulging myself in Yoga, I have constantly worshipped you as Parmeshvarā, having meditated upon you for a long time, who is completely worthy of praise. Please be pleased with my praise, remove your Maya and grant me the rare boon that I desire. Please do not be against me. ”

Source :- Mahabharata Critical Edition Naaraāyanāstra Moksha Parva 172.72

10. वृणीष्वाष्टौ बरान्कृष्ण दातास्मि तव सत्तम । ब्रूहि यावषशार्दूल यानिच्छसि सुदुर्लभान् ॥५१॥

Bhagavaan Shiva said, “Oh Truthful Krishna! I am deeply pleased with you, ask any eight boons and I shall grant them to you, Oh Best among Yadus! Their is no doubt about it.

Source :- Mahabharata Critical Edition Anusasshan Parva 15.51

11. कृष्ण उवाच一सूर्धा निपत्य नियतस्तेजःसंनिचये ततः । परनं हर्षभागम्य भगवन्तमथाब्रुवम् ॥१॥ धर्ने दृढत्वं युधि शत्रुधातं यशस्तथाग्यं परमं बलं च । योगप्रियत्वं तब संनिकर्ष वृणे सुतानां च शतं शतानि ॥२॥

Krishna said, “I bowed my head down before that great mass of energy. Filled with great delight, I told the illustrious one, ‘Firmness in dharma, the ability to destroy enemies in battle, fame, ferocity, supreme strength, devotion to yoga, your proximity and hundreds and hundreds of sons—these are the boons I seek.’ Hearing so Shankara said “So be it ”.

Source :- Mahabharata Critical Edition Anusasshan Parva 16.1–2

12. दत्तो अगवता पुत्रः साम्बो नाम तवानघ । मत्तोऽप्यष्टौ बरानिष्टान्गृहाण त्वं ददामि ते । प्रणम्य शिरसा सा च मयोक्ता पाण्डुनन्दन ॥५॥

Sharvani Uma, spoke to me. ‘O unblemished one! The illustrious one has granted you a son named Samba. Ask for eight boons from me too and I will grant them to you.’

Source :- Mahabharata Critical Edition Anusasshan Parva 16.5

13. द्विजेष्षकोपं पितृतः प्रसादं शतं सुलानालुओर्ग परं च । कुले प्रीतिं मातृतश्च प्रलादं शममाप्तिं प्रवृणे चापि दाक्ष्यम् ॥६॥देव्युवाच एवं भविष्यत्यमरप्रभाव नाई मृषा जातु बदे कदाचित् । आर्यालहस्राणि च षोडशेव तालु प्रिथत्वं च तथाक्षयत्वश् ॥७॥ प्रीर्ति चाग्यां बान्धवानां सकाशाद्ददामि ते चपुषः काम्यतां च । भोक्ष्यन्ते वै सप्ततिर्वै शतानि गृहे तुभ्यअतिथीनां च नित्यम् ॥८॥

thus I bowed my head down before her and said, ‘Lack of anger towards brahmanas, the favours of my father, hundreds of sons, supreme objects of pleasure, affection towards my family, the favours of my mother, the attainment of tranquility and skill—these are the boons I seek.’ The goddess replied, ‘It shall be that way. You will possess the power of of immortality. I never speak anything that is false.

Source :- Mahabharata Critical Edition Anusasshan Parva 16.6–8

14. न हि मे केनचिद्देयो वरः पाण्डवनन्दन । इति संचिन्त्य मनसा पुराणं विश्वमीश्वरम् । पुत्रार्थमाराधितवानात्मानमहमात्मना ॥ २५॥ न हि विष्णुः प्रणमति कस्मैचिद्विबुधाय तु । ऋत आत्मानमेवेति ततो रुद्रं भजाम्यहम् ॥ २६ ॥

Oh Son of Pandu! There is none asides Rudra who is capable of granting me a boon. In ancient times, I for obtaining Samba Worshiped that Vishveshvara Mahadeva for the sake of obtaining a son. There is no other god that Vishnu bows down before, with the exception of Rudra, who is my own Atman.

Source :- Mahabharata Critical Edition Shanti Parva 328.25–26

15. मनीषितानामर्थानां प्राप्तिस्ते सुरसत्तम। पारिजातं च हर्तासि मा भूत् ते मनसो व्यथा ॥ ३६ ।। यथा मैनाकमाश्रित्य तपस्त्वमकरोः प्रभो। तथा मम वरं कृष्ण संस्मृत्य स्थैर्यमाप्नुहि ॥ ३७ ।।

Bhagavaan Spoke, “O Valiant Krishna! In Ancient Times you Undertook Servere penance at Mount Manika Through which You Obtained a Boon from me. You shall be incapable of being slain', 'You shall be invincible, and 'You shall be ever more Indomitable than myself ’—these and such words which I spoke to you will never be falsified.

Source :- Mahabharata Harivamsham Parva, Vishnu Upaparva 74.36–37

HAR HAR MAHADEV

SHIV SHIV 😌❤️