Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 9
युद्धप्रारम्भवर्णनम् — Description of the Commencement of Battle
आजगाम द्रुतं तत्र यत्र देवास्स तारकः । सैन्येन महता सार्द्धं सुरै र्बहुभिरावृत्
ājagāma drutaṃ tatra yatra devāssa tārakaḥ | sainyena mahatā sārddhaṃ surai rbahubhirāvṛt
Then Tāraka swiftly came to the very place where the gods were, surrounded by many devas and accompanied by a vast army.
Sūta Gosvāmin
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Rudra
FAQs
It signals the moment when adharma (Tāraka’s aggression) directly confronts the devas, highlighting that cosmic order is preserved not merely by force but ultimately through Shiva’s higher will (Pati) guiding events toward restoration of dharma.
Though the verse is narrative, it frames the need for Saguna Shiva’s saving power: when worldly powers clash, devotees remember Shiva as the compassionate Lord who manifests protection and resolution through divine intervention (often culminating in Kumāra’s rise).
A practical takeaway is to steady the mind in crisis by japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and remembrance of Shiva as Pati, the inner refuge beyond fear and conflict.