Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 25
युद्धप्रारम्भवर्णनम् — Description of the Commencement of Battle
केषांचिद्बाहवश्छिन्ना खड्पातैस्सुदारुणैः । केषांचिदूरवश्छिन्ना वीराणां मानिनां मृधे
keṣāṃcidbāhavaśchinnā khaḍpātaissudāruṇaiḥ | keṣāṃcidūravaśchinnā vīrāṇāṃ mānināṃ mṛdhe
In that fierce battle, the arms of some were severed by exceedingly dreadful blows of swords; and the thighs of others were cut down—of those proud, valorous warriors engaged in combat.
Sūta Gosvāmi (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
FAQs
The verse uses stark battlefield imagery to teach impermanence: bodily strength and heroic pride are fragile, while true refuge is in Pati (Lord Shiva). In Shaiva Siddhanta, such scenes cultivate vairāgya and redirect the soul (paśu) from attachment to the body toward Shiva-bhakti and liberation.
By showing the collapse of worldly power in battle, the text implicitly elevates devotion to Saguna Shiva—the compassionate Lord who grants protection and grace beyond physical might. Linga-worship symbolizes turning from transient forms to Shiva as the stable, liberating Reality and Lord of all actions and outcomes.
The takeaway is remembrance of Shiva amid fear and loss: japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") and cultivating detachment. A simple Shaiva practice is to apply tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and perform mantra-japa to steady the mind and surrender the fruits of action to Shiva.