Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 25
कार्तिकेयलीलावर्णनम्
Narration of Kārttikeya’s Divine Play
तदा स्कंदादिचत्वारो महावीरा महाबलाः । इन्द्रं हंतुं द्रुतं जग्मुस्सोयं तच्छरणं ययौ
tadā skaṃdādicatvāro mahāvīrā mahābalāḥ | indraṃ haṃtuṃ drutaṃ jagmussoyaṃ taccharaṇaṃ yayau
Da zogen die vier großen Helden—beginnend mit Skanda—gewaltig an Tapferkeit und Kraft, eilends aus, um Indra zu töten. Als Indra dies sah, suchte er sogleich Zuflucht zu Seinen Füßen, in jenem höchsten Schutz.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Significance: Theme of śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) as the turning-point from deva-pride to grace-seeking; pilgrimage analogue: approaching Śiva as sole protector.
Role: liberating
Cosmic Event: Crisis-to-refuge pivot: impending slaying of Indra by Skanda and companions
FAQs
It highlights śaraṇāgati—when even a powerful deity faces the fruits of karma and fear, true safety lies in taking refuge in the supreme Lord, who alone grants protection and right order.
Refuge “at His feet” aligns with Saguna Shiva devotion—approaching Shiva (often worshiped as the Linga) as the compassionate protector who receives the surrendered soul and restores dharma.
Practice surrender through japa of the Pañcākṣarī—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—and mentally place oneself at Shiva’s feet, cultivating humility and reliance on divine grace.