Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 49
व्योमवाणी-श्रवणं, गणानां शरणागमनं, सती-दाह-वृत्तान्तः — Hearing the Heavenly Voice; The Gaṇas Seek Refuge; Account of Satī’s Self-Immolation
सुरा भवंतु गंधर्वा यक्षा वान्ये च केचन । तानप्यद्यैव सहसा भस्मसात्कुरु सत्वरम्
surā bhavaṃtu gaṃdharvā yakṣā vānye ca kecana | tānapyadyaiva sahasā bhasmasātkuru satvaram
سواء كانوا من الدِّيفات، أو الغَنْدهرفات، أو اليَكْشات، أو أيًّا كان غيرهم—فأحِلْهم هم أيضًا، في هذا اليوم بعينه، بغتةً ومن غير إبطاء، إلى رماد.
Lord Shiva (issuing a command in the Sati-khaṇḍa narrative, as relayed by Sūta to the sages)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Virabhadra
Role: destructive
FAQs
The verse highlights Shiva as Pati—the supreme Lord whose will dissolves all opposition to dharma. “Reducing to ashes” also points to the Shaiva insight that all embodied power and pride ultimately end as bhasma, urging detachment and surrender.
In Saguna worship, Shiva is revered as the active protector and dissolver who removes hostile forces and inner impurities. The imagery of bhasma resonates with Linga worship where sacred ash signifies the burning away of ego and karmic bonds under Shiva’s grace.
A practical takeaway is contemplation on bhasma as a reminder of impermanence, alongside Shaiva disciplines such as applying Tripuṇḍra (vibhūti) with devotion and repeating the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” to seek purification and protection.