“The holy Śiva Purāṇa that accords the four aims of life—dharma, artha, kāma and mokṣa—must be heard and read with great devotion always. Śiva Purāṇa, the greatest harbinger of perfect welfare among the Vedas, Itihāsas and other sacred texts, must be thoroughly understood by those who seek salvation. This Śiva Purāṇa is forever the greatest resort of the knowers of Ātman; it is the noblest object worthy of adoration for good men; it suppresses the three types of distress—physical illness, extraneous attacks and divine calamities—it accords happiness always, and it is very pleasing to all Devas led by Brahmā, Hari and Īśa. With extremely delighted mind I bow unto Śiva Purāṇa forever. May Śiva be pleased by this recitation and bestow on me eternal devotion to His feet.”