Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 4
युद्धप्रारम्भवर्णनम् — Description of the Commencement of Battle
देवा दृष्ट्वा समायांतं तारकस्य महाबलम् । बलेन बहुकुर्वन्तः सिंहनादं विसिस्मियुः
devā dṛṣṭvā samāyāṃtaṃ tārakasya mahābalam | balena bahukurvantaḥ siṃhanādaṃ visismiyuḥ
Als die Devas Tāraka mit ungeheurer Macht herannahen sahen, bündelten sie ihre eigene Kraft und erhoben ein löwengleiches Kriegsgrollen; doch innerlich waren sie von seiner Macht in Staunen versetzt.
Sūta Gosvāmi (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
FAQs
It contrasts worldly or demonic might with the Devas’ shaken confidence, pointing to a Shaiva Siddhanta theme: power without alignment to Pati (Shiva) cannot secure true victory; humility and dependence on Shiva’s grace become necessary.
The Devas’ astonishment foreshadows their need to seek refuge in Saguna Shiva—approaching the Lord through worship and prayer (often centered on the Linga) when cosmic order is threatened beyond their capacity.
A practical takeaway is to adopt śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge) through japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” especially when confronting fear or overpowering obstacles.