Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 12
देव-गण-समरः
Devas and Śiva’s Gaṇas Engage in Battle
इन्द्राद्यैर्लोकपालैश्च गणाश्शंभो पराङ्मुखाः । कृत्ताश्च मुनिशार्दूल भृगोर्मंत्रबलेन च
indrādyairlokapālaiśca gaṇāśśaṃbho parāṅmukhāḥ | kṛttāśca muniśārdūla bhṛgormaṃtrabalena ca
يا نمرَ الحكماء، لقد أُرغِمَت غَناتُ شَمبهو (شيفا) على التراجع على يد إندرا وسائر حُرّاس العوالم؛ وبقوةِ مانترا بْهْرِغو ضُرِبوا أيضاً وقُطِّعوا إرباً.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya, within the Satī-Khaṇḍa account)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Īśāna
Type: rudram
Role: teaching
Cosmic Event: Demonstration of mantra-śakti operating within māyā/karma: even Śiva’s gaṇas can be checked when the narrative requires concealment and later grace
FAQs
It highlights mantra-bala (spiritual power of sacred sound) and the limits of mere force: even Śiva’s gaṇas can be made to withdraw when the narrative requires a dharmic unfolding, showing that divine līlā operates through law, austerity, and ordained outcomes.
The verse contrasts external power (devas and mantras) with the deeper truth of Śiva as Pati: in Saguna worship of Śiva-Liṅga, devotees seek refuge beyond conflict—recognizing that all powers, including mantra efficacy, ultimately rest in Śiva’s sovereignty.
It underscores disciplined japa and mantra-sādhana: practitioners may take up pañcākṣarī japa (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with purity, bhasma (tripuṇḍra), and steady devotion—valuing inner transformation over displays of power.