Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 19
Hari’s Special Mercy, Śiva’s Quick Boons, and the Deliverance from Vṛkāsura
देवोपलब्धिमप्राप्य निर्वेदात् सप्तमेऽहनि । शिरोऽवृश्चत् सुधितिना तत्तीर्थक्लिन्नमूर्धजम् ॥ १८ ॥ तदा महाकारुणिको स धूर्जटि- र्यथा वयं चाग्निरिवोत्थितोऽनलात् । निगृह्य दोर्भ्यां भुजयोर्न्यवारयत् तत्स्पर्शनाद् भूय उपस्कृताकृति: ॥ १९ ॥
devopalabdhim aprāpya nirvedāt saptame ’hani śiro ’vṛścat sudhitinā tat-tīrtha-klinna-mūrdhajam
Vṛkāsura became frustrated after failing to obtain a vision of the lord. Finally, on the seventh day, after dipping his hair into the holy waters at Kedāranātha and leaving it wet, he took up a hatchet and prepared to cut off his head. But at that very moment the supremely merciful Lord Śiva rose up out of the sacrificial fire, looking like the god of fire himself, and grabbed both arms of the demon to stop him from killing himself, just as we would do. By Lord Śiva’s touch, Vṛkāsura once again became whole.
FAQs
In this verse, Śiva is described as “mahā-kāruṇika,” rising swiftly to protect and physically restrain the afflicted person, and his touch restores the person’s condition—showing Śiva’s active mercy and guardianship.
The narrative portrays an extreme act driven by despair; Śiva intervenes immediately to stop self-harm and to restore the person through his divine touch.
It highlights compassionate intervention: when someone is overwhelmed by despair, timely restraint, protection, and supportive presence can help restore stability—mirroring divine mercy through human care.