Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 41
अनिरुद्धापहरणानन्तरं कृष्णस्य शोणितपुरगमनम् तथा रुद्रकृष्णयुद्धारम्भः | After Aniruddha’s Abduction: Kṛṣṇa Marches to Śoṇitapura and the Rudra–Kṛṣṇa Battle Begins
सनत्कुमार उवाच । इत्युक्तो हरिणा सूतो दारुकस्स्वगुणाग्रणीः । द्रुतं तं वाहयामास रथं रुद्रसमीपतः
sanatkumāra uvāca | ityukto hariṇā sūto dārukassvaguṇāgraṇīḥ | drutaṃ taṃ vāhayāmāsa rathaṃ rudrasamīpataḥ
Sanatkumāra sprach: So von Hari (Viṣṇu) angewiesen, lenkte der Wagenlenker Dāruka—der Vorzüglichste in seinen Tugenden—jenen Wagen eilends nahe zu Rudra (Herrn Śiva).
Sanatkumara
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Rudra
Significance: The verse emphasizes sānnidhya (nearness) to Rudra as a turning point before prayer/petition—analogous to pilgrimage movement toward a liṅga-kṣetra.
FAQs
The verse highlights reverent approach to Rudra: even Hari (Viṣṇu) proceeds toward Śiva through orderly action and humility, reflecting the Shaiva Siddhanta emphasis on approaching Pati (Śiva) with devotion and proper conduct.
Rudra is approached as the manifest, accessible Lord (saguṇa Śiva) within the narrative. The movement “near to Rudra” mirrors the devotee’s inward approach to the Lord’s presence—commonly ritualized through Linga worship, where one ‘comes near’ Śiva with offerings and focused mind.
The practical takeaway is disciplined, attentive approach to Śiva: prepare the body and mind, then draw near through japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and steady bhakti—like a chariot guided swiftly but under control toward the Lord.