Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 22
अनिरुद्धापहरणानन्तरं कृष्णस्य शोणितपुरगमनम् तथा रुद्रकृष्णयुद्धारम्भः | After Aniruddha’s Abduction: Kṛṣṇa Marches to Śoṇitapura and the Rudra–Kṛṣṇa Battle Begins
तच्छ्रुत्वा शंकरगणा विनेदुर्युयुधुश्च ते । मर्दयन्प्रतियोद्धारं वर्द्धिताश्शंभुतेजसा
tacchrutvā śaṃkaragaṇā vineduryuyudhuśca te | mardayanpratiyoddhāraṃ varddhitāśśaṃbhutejasā
তা শুনে শঙ্করের গণেরা উচ্চস্বরে গর্জে উঠল এবং যুদ্ধে প্রবৃত্ত হল; শম্ভুর তেজে বর্ধিত হয়ে তারা প্রতিপক্ষ যোদ্ধাদের চূর্ণ করল।
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse highlights that true power is not merely personal prowess but Śiva’s tejas (grace-filled divine potency) supporting His devotees; the gaṇas prevail because they are aligned with Śambhu’s will.
In Saguna worship, the devotee approaches Śiva as Śambhu—active, protective, and responsive. This verse reflects that protective aspect: those devoted to Him (like the gaṇas) are strengthened by His presence and power.
A practical takeaway is remembrance of Śiva’s tejas through japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) before undertaking difficult duties, cultivating surrender so one acts as an instrument of Śiva rather than from ego.