Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 8
द्वारपाल-गणेशसंवादः / The Dialogue at the Gate: Gaṇeśa and Śiva’s Gaṇas
त्वामपीह गणं मत्वा न हन्यामीन्यथा हतः । तिष्ठ दूरे स्वतस्त्वं च किमर्थं मृत्युमीहसे
tvāmapīha gaṇaṃ matvā na hanyāmīnyathā hataḥ | tiṣṭha dūre svatastvaṃ ca kimarthaṃ mṛtyumīhase
Selbst hier, da ich dich für einen der Gaṇas Śivas halte, werde ich dich nicht erschlagen, wie ich andere erschlagen habe. Darum tritt aus eigenem Willen weit zurück—weshalb suchst du den Tod?
Kārtikeya (Skanda)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: protective
FAQs
The verse highlights reverence toward Śiva’s gaṇas and the dharmic restraint of a divine warrior: even in conflict, one should recognize sacred affiliation and avoid needless violence, choosing discrimination (viveka) over rage.
Honoring Śiva’s gaṇas is an extension of Saguna Śiva-bhakti—devotion expressed through respect for Śiva’s retinue and order. It implies that approaching Śiva’s sphere (His attendants, symbols, and rites) requires humility and proper conduct.
The practical takeaway is self-restraint and reverential approach: before worship, cultivate śānti through japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and maintain purity of intent, avoiding aggression toward what is connected to Śiva.