Shloka 15
एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु देवा देववरं शिवम् । अगच्छन् शरणं धीरं बहुरूपं गुणाधिकम्,ऐसा अवसर उपस्थित होनेपर सम्पूर्ण देवता अनेक रूपधारी, अधिक गुणशाली, धीरजस्वभाव देवेश्वर भगवान् शिवकी शरणमें गये
etasminneva kāle tu devā devavaraṃ śivam | agacchan śaraṇaṃ dhīraṃ bahurūpaṃ guṇādhikam ||
At that very time, the gods approached Śiva—the foremost among deities—as their refuge. They sought shelter in the steadfast Lord, who assumes many forms and surpasses all in excellence, indicating that in moments of cosmic uncertainty even the highest beings turn to the supreme protector grounded in composure and virtue.
पराशर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge): when faced with difficulty, even exalted beings rely on the supreme, steadfast protector. It also presents Śiva as dhīra (composed) and guṇādhika (preeminent in virtues), implying that true authority is grounded in excellence of character and the capacity to protect.
At a critical moment in the story, the assembled gods go to Śiva for protection and guidance, acknowledging him as the foremost deity who can respond through many forms and superior powers.