Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 53
कार्त्तिकेयान्वेषण-नन्दिसंवाद-वर्णनम्
Search for Kārttikeya and the Nandī Dialogue
तवाभिषेकं शंभुस्तु करिष्यति सुरैस्सह । लप्स्यसे सर्वशस्त्राणि तारकाख्यं हनिष्यसि
tavābhiṣekaṃ śaṃbhustu kariṣyati suraissaha | lapsyase sarvaśastrāṇi tārakākhyaṃ haniṣyasi
Śambhu (Śiva) Himself, together with the devas, will perform your sacred consecration. You shall obtain every weapon, and you shall slay the one named Tāraka.
A divine narrator/prophetic voice within the Kumārakhaṇḍa context (as related by Sūta Gosvāmi in the Rudrasaṃhitā narration)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga; it is the consecration (abhiṣeka) and empowerment of Kumāra by Śiva and the devas for Tāraka-vadha.
Significance: Models divine sanction for righteous warfare: weapons and authority are received through Śiva’s grace, not egoic conquest.
Role: liberating
Cosmic Event: Deva-crisis resolution: empowerment of the destined slayer of Tāraka.
FAQs
The verse highlights Śiva as Pati (the supreme Lord) who empowers the righteous through grace: consecration (abhisheka) signifies divine authorization, and victory over Tāraka symbolizes the overcoming of adharma when aligned with Śiva’s will.
Śambhu’s direct role in performing abhisheka reflects Saguna Śiva’s compassionate, accessible lordship celebrated in Linga-worship—devotees approach Śiva through ritual (like abhisheka) to receive protection, strength, and right direction.
Abhisheka is the implied practice—devotional bathing/anointing of Śiva (often with water, milk, and bilva) accompanied by japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” seeking Śiva’s empowerment to conquer inner ‘Tāraka’ (obstacles and ignorance).