Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 45
विष्णु-ब्रह्म-विवाद-वर्णनम्
Description of the Viṣṇu–Brahmā Dispute and Brahmā’s Confusion
मायया मोहितश्चाहं युद्धं चक्रे सुदारुणम् । हरिणा तेन वै सार्द्धं शंकरस्य महाप्रभोः
māyayā mohitaścāhaṃ yuddhaṃ cakre sudāruṇam | hariṇā tena vai sārddhaṃ śaṃkarasya mahāprabhoḥ
Von Māyā verblendet, begann ich einen überaus schrecklichen Kampf — zusammen mit jenem Hari — gegen Śaṅkara, den großen Herrn.
Brahmā (narrating within the Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa context)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: Brahmā confesses māyā-moha leading to conflict with Hari against Śaṅkara; this confession functions as the narrative hinge before the liṅga’s epiphany that ends the dispute.
Significance: Soteriological lesson: even exalted paśu (Brahmā/Viṣṇu) can oppose Pati under māyā; recognition (prabodha) is the first step toward Śiva’s grace.
Cosmic Event: cosmic battle at the threshold of creation; pralaya residue implied
FAQs
The verse highlights Māyā as a real veiling power that can delude even exalted beings; liberation arises when one recognizes Śaṅkara as the supreme Pati who alone can remove bondage and restore right knowledge.
It points to Saguna Śiva as the accessible, gracious Lord who subdues delusion and ego; Linga-worship in the Shiva Purana is presented as a direct means to align the devotee with Śiva’s supremacy beyond sectarian rivalry and cosmic pride.
The practical takeaway is to seek clarity through Śiva-upāsanā—japa of the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with humility—recognizing Māyā’s power and praying for Śiva’s grace to dispel delusion.