Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 1
युद्धप्रसङ्गः—देवगणयुद्धे शिवविष्णुसंयोगः / Battle Episode—Śiva–Viṣṇu Convergence in the Devas’ Conflict
ब्रह्मोवाच । इति श्रुत्वा महेशानो भक्तानुग्रहकारकः । त्वद्वाचा युदकामोभूत्तेन बालेन नारद
brahmovāca | iti śrutvā maheśāno bhaktānugrahakārakaḥ | tvadvācā yudakāmobhūttena bālena nārada
Brahmā sprach: Als Maheśāna dies vernahm—der stets darauf bedacht ist, seinen Bhaktas Gnade zu schenken—wurde er durch deine Worte, o Nārada, und durch jenes Kind kampfbegierig.
Brahma
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
Role: liberating
FAQs
The verse highlights Śiva as bhaktānugrahakāraka—one who moves to act for the protection and upliftment of devotees. Even when action appears worldly (like battle), it is framed as grace-driven divine intervention.
It points to Saguna Śiva—Maheśāna with attributes—who responds to devotees and cosmic needs. Such narratives support devotional worship where the Lord is approached as a compassionate, responsive protector, as in Liṅga worship and personal bhakti.
The practical takeaway is bhakti-centered remembrance: invoke Śiva as the giver of anugraha through japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and prayer for protection and right action, especially when facing inner conflict.