Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 25
क्रौञ्चशरणागमनम् तथा बाणासुरवधः
Krauñca Seeks Refuge; Slaying of Bāṇāsura
कुमुदेनस्तुतश्चेत्थं विज्ञप्तस्तद्वधाय हि । स्वाश्च शक्तिं स जग्राह स्मृत्वा शिवपदांबुजौ
kumudenastutaścetthaṃ vijñaptastadvadhāya hi | svāśca śaktiṃ sa jagrāha smṛtvā śivapadāṃbujau
وهكذا، إذ أثنى عليه كُمودا وناشده بإخلاصٍ أن يُتمَّ ذلك القتل، تذكّر أولًا قدمي اللوتس للربّ شِيفا؛ ثم تناول قوّته الإلهية الخاصة، وتهيّأ ليضرب العدوّ ويصرعه.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
The verse shows the Shaiva Siddhanta principle that all effective power (śakti) becomes auspicious and dharmic when grounded in remembrance of Pati—Lord Shiva’s lotus-feet—before engaging in decisive action.
Remembering Shiva’s lotus-feet reflects Saguna devotion—turning the mind to Shiva’s gracious form and presence (often approached through Linga-worship) so that one’s strength and weapons are aligned with Shiva’s will rather than ego.
A practical takeaway is to begin any challenging duty with Shiva-smaraṇa—mentally bowing to Shiva (or the Linga) and reciting the Panchākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” then proceeding with steadiness and restraint.