Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 61
गणेश-वाक्यं तथा गणानां समर-सन्नाहः | Gaṇeśa’s Challenge and the Mustering of the Gaṇas
येऽव स्थिताश्च ते सर्वे शिवस्यांतिकमागताः । देवाः पलायितास्सर्वे गणाश्च सकलास्तदा
ye'va sthitāśca te sarve śivasyāṃtikamāgatāḥ | devāḥ palāyitāssarve gaṇāśca sakalāstadā
Then all those who still remained at that moment drew near to Lord Śiva; but all the gods fled away, and likewise all the gaṇas also fled then.
Sūta Gosvāmi
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
It highlights Śiva as Pati—the final refuge—showing that in moments of upheaval even celestial powers become unstable, while nearness to Śiva signifies protection, steadiness, and the path toward liberation through surrender.
Approaching “Śiva’s presence” reflects the Saguna dimension of Śiva—accessible to devotees. In practice this is mirrored by approaching the Śiva-liṅga with devotion, taking śaraṇāgati (refuge), and seeking grace rather than relying on worldly or even heavenly strength.
The takeaway is śaraṇāgati through japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) while mentally ‘moving near’ Śiva; optionally supported by Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa as reminders of steadfastness in Śiva’s protection.