Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 25
क्रौञ्चशरणागमनम् तथा बाणासुरवधः
Krauñca Seeks Refuge; Slaying of Bāṇāsura
कुमुदेनस्तुतश्चेत्थं विज्ञप्तस्तद्वधाय हि । स्वाश्च शक्तिं स जग्राह स्मृत्वा शिवपदांबुजौ
kumudenastutaścetthaṃ vijñaptastadvadhāya hi | svāśca śaktiṃ sa jagrāha smṛtvā śivapadāṃbujau
Thus praised by Kumuda and earnestly petitioned to accomplish that slaying, he first remembered the lotus-feet of Lord Śiva; then, taking up his own divine power, he prepared to strike down the foe.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
The verse shows the Shaiva Siddhanta principle that all effective power (śakti) becomes auspicious and dharmic when grounded in remembrance of Pati—Lord Shiva’s lotus-feet—before engaging in decisive action.
Remembering Shiva’s lotus-feet reflects Saguna devotion—turning the mind to Shiva’s gracious form and presence (often approached through Linga-worship) so that one’s strength and weapons are aligned with Shiva’s will rather than ego.
A practical takeaway is to begin any challenging duty with Shiva-smaraṇa—mentally bowing to Shiva (or the Linga) and reciting the Panchākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” then proceeding with steadiness and restraint.