Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 20
त्रिपुरदाहानन्तरं देवभयः ब्रह्मस्तुतिश्च — Fear of the Gods after Tripura’s Burning and Brahmā’s Praise
रक्षरक्ष महादेव भीतान्नस्सकलामरान् । दग्ध्वा च त्रिपुरं सर्वे कृतार्था अमराः कृ ताः
rakṣarakṣa mahādeva bhītānnassakalāmarān | dagdhvā ca tripuraṃ sarve kṛtārthā amarāḥ kṛ tāḥ
রক্ষা করো, রক্ষা করো, হে মহাদেব! আমরা সকল ভীত দেবতাকে রক্ষা করো। ত্রিপুর দগ্ধ করে সকল অমর কৃতার্থ হয়েছে।
The Devas (gods), praying to Lord Śiva (Mahādeva) during the Tripura episode (narrated by Sūta Gosvāmin in the Purāṇic frame).
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Tripurāntaka
Sthala Purana: Tripura-dahana is invoked as the paradigmatic act of Śiva’s grace to the devas: when the three aerial cities became invincible, the devas sought refuge; Śiva destroyed Tripura, restoring cosmic order.
Significance: Remembrance of Tripurāntaka is framed as śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) that removes fear and restores dharma.
Mantra: रक्षरक्ष महादेव भीतान्नस्सकलामरान् । दग्ध्वा च त्रिपुरं सर्वे कृतार्था अमराः कृ ताः
Type: stotra
Cosmic Event: Tripura-dahana (destruction of the three cities)
FAQs
The devas’ cry “Protect us, Mahādeva” shows śaraṇāgati (surrender) to Pati (Śiva) as the supreme refuge. Tripura also signifies the fortified impurities and egoic structures; when Śiva burns them, beings become kṛtārtha—fulfilled—because the root of fear is removed.
The verse addresses Śiva as Mahādeva in a personal, protective form (Saguna). In Śaiva practice, this same refuge is approached through Liṅga worship—offering water, bilva, and mantra—seeking Śiva’s grace to dissolve inner obstacles just as Tripura was dissolved outwardly.
A practical takeaway is protective japa and surrender: repeat “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” with the bhāva of “rakṣa rakṣa,” and conclude with a simple prayer for Śiva’s anugraha (grace). If following Shiva Purana observances, apply bhasma (tripuṇḍra) and maintain a steady, fear-releasing meditation on Mahādeva as protector.