u/Realistic_Exam_6242

I am growing on the Advaita path and got to a stage where my previously practices of bhakti are becoming an issue.

Some context:

I have some background as pseudo-Vaishnava, I have in the past worshiped Rama, however, the way I was thought to see Rama, is problematic as I come to assimilate Advaita teachings.

These issues in translating my concept of personal god to Iśvara in the Advaitin sense (ref Swami Dayananda Saraswati) are blocking my progress. So much so that I am considering changing the form I focus on from Rama to Śiva.

I find it easy(er) to use Śiva in as the world around me: in the changing seasons I can metaphorically see his Nataraja dance, in meditation I can feel getting to a sense of wholeness comparable to the Linga.

Another reason is that while I have no problem in relating to Iśvara as a person (eg. during puja), I struggle making the shift between an anthropomorphic Deva and the world around me. The linga to this avail, feels easier to me to translate at the stage I am at.

My ask:

Is there a text you'd recommend me to pick up, that it'd be useful for me to develop a Śiva-oriented bhakti in keeping with Advaita teachings?

Any leads are welcome!

I am looking at developing bhakti towards Śiva as Ishta Deva, especially in the Linga form.

Some context:

I have some background as pseudo-Vaishnava (pseudo because I realised what I was following was very much NOT bonafide). I have in the past worshiped Rama, and had a profound love for him. Really strong. However, the way I was thought to see Rama, is problematic as I come to assimilate bonafide Advaita teachings.

Reason why is that I find it easy(er) to see Śiva in as the world around me: in the changing seasons I can metaphorically see his Nataraja dance, in meditation I can feel getting to a sense of wholeness comparable to the Linga.

Another reason is that while I have no problem in relating to Iśvara as a person (eg. during puja), I struggle making the shift between an anthropomorphic Deva and the world around me. Being able to relate to a less-anthropomorphised figure (linga) and sensing the same presence in the world, feels easier to me at this stage.

My ask:

I am unfamiliar with Śiva texts. I am sensible to the beauty of Vaishnava poetry when it comes to Iśvara and its descriptions (one of my favourite descriptions of Śiva is the Rudrashtakam of Tūlsidas - which in this version literally gives me goosebumps).

Is there a text you'd recommend me to pick up, that it'd be useful for me to develop a Śiva-oriented bhakti that keeps Advaita as main framework?

Advaita bhakti issues

Shiva Bhakti texts