Shloka 51
Bhaimaśaṅkara-māhātmya: Śiva’s Descent in Kāmarūpa and the Rise of Bhīma
देवाश्च पीडितास्तेन सशक्रा ऋषयस्तथा । अत्यन्तं दुःखमापन्ना लोकान्निस्सारिता द्विजाः
devāśca pīḍitāstena saśakrā ṛṣayastathā | atyantaṃ duḥkhamāpannā lokānnissāritā dvijāḥ
Tormented by him, the gods—along with Indra—and the sages as well fell into extreme distress; and the twice-born were driven out from their worlds.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It shows that even devas and great sages can be overwhelmed when dharma is disturbed; in Shaiva Siddhanta this points to the need for refuge in Pati (Lord Shiva), the supreme protector who removes pasha (bondage) and restores cosmic order.
Such collective distress typically becomes the narrative cause for Shiva’s compassionate, saguna manifestation—often as a Linga or a saving form—so devotees learn that Shiva is approachable and responsive when sincerely invoked.
The practical takeaway is śaraṇāgati (taking refuge): japa of the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” along with simple Shaiva observances like applying tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and maintaining a prayerful, dharmic conduct in times of fear.