Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 50
देव-गण-समरः
Devas and Śiva’s Gaṇas Engage in Battle
अत्र त्वमागतः कस्माद्वयं तन्नैव विद्महे । दक्षस्य यज्ञपातात्त्वं कथं जातोसि तद्वद
atra tvamāgataḥ kasmādvayaṃ tannaiva vidmahe | dakṣasya yajñapātāttvaṃ kathaṃ jātosi tadvada
Warum bist du hierher gekommen? Wahrlich, wir kennen den Grund nicht. Und wie bist du aus dem Untergang von Dakṣas Opfer (yajña) hervorgegangen? Sage es uns.
The assembled gods/sages addressing Vīrabhadra (Daksha-yajña episode narration by Sūta)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse highlights the limits of ego-driven ritual (yajña) and points to Shiva’s supremacy as Pati: when devotion and humility are absent, even grand rites collapse, and divine power manifests to restore dharma.
Daksha’s sacrifice symbolizes worship performed without honoring Shiva’s living presence (Saguna Shiva). Linga-worship in Shaiva tradition emphasizes reverence, inner purity, and surrender—qualities missing in Daksha’s prideful ritual.
The takeaway is to prioritize Shiva-bhakti with the Panchakshara mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and sincere worship; external rites should be supported by inner devotion, humility, and remembrance of Shiva as the indwelling Lord.