Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 19
Kūrma Supports Mandara; Hālahala Appears; Śiva Becomes Nīlakaṇṭha
तदुग्रवेगं दिशि दिश्युपर्यधो विसर्पदुत्सर्पदसह्यमप्रति । भीता: प्रजा दुद्रुवुरङ्ग सेश्वरा अरक्ष्यमाणा: शरणं सदाशिवम् ॥ १९ ॥
tad ugra-vegaṁ diśi diśy upary adho visarpad utsarpad asahyam aprati bhītāḥ prajā dudruvur aṅga seśvarā arakṣyamāṇāḥ śaraṇaṁ sadāśivam
O King, when that uncontrollable poison was forcefully spreading up and down in all directions, all the demigods, along with the Lord Himself, approached Lord Śiva [Sadāśiva]. Feeling unsheltered and very much afraid, they sought shelter of him.
One may question that since the Supreme Personality of Godhead was personally present, why did He accompany all the demigods and people in general to take shelter of Lord Sadāśiva instead of intervening Himself. In this connection Śrīla Madhvācārya warns:
FAQs
In this verse, when the unbearable poison spreads everywhere and no one can protect themselves, all beings take shelter of Sadāśiva—showing that in overwhelming danger devotees seek refuge in a divine protector.
Because the fierce, irresistible poison from the churning spread in all directions and no other shelter seemed effective; thus, unprotected, they fled to Sadāśiva for refuge.
When situations feel unbearable and beyond control, this verse teaches turning to sincere prayer, humility, and divine shelter rather than panic—seeking higher guidance and protection.