Shloka 24
Bhaimaśaṅkara-māhātmya: Śiva’s Descent in Kāmarūpa and the Rise of Bhīma
शिरसस्तस्य संजातं तेजः परमदारुणम् । तेन दग्धास्तदा देवा ब्रह्माणं शरणं ययुः
śirasastasya saṃjātaṃ tejaḥ paramadāruṇam | tena dagdhāstadā devā brahmāṇaṃ śaraṇaṃ yayuḥ
From his head there arose a radiance—tejas exceedingly fierce and dreadful. Scorched by that blazing power, the gods then went to Brahmā, seeking refuge.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Role: destructive
FAQs
It highlights that uncontrolled tejas (divine potency) overwhelms even the devas, showing the limits of celestial power and the need to seek rightful refuge and guidance when cosmic energies exceed one’s capacity.
The motif of overpowering radiance anticipates Shiva’s worship as a regulated, compassionate manifestation (Saguna) through forms like the Linga, where immeasurable power becomes approachable for devotion and protection.
A practical takeaway is to approach intense spiritual energy with humility and protection—chanting the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and adopting Shaiva disciplines like Tripundra (bhasma) and Rudraksha as aids for steadiness and reverence.