Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 7
देवस्तुतिः—नन्दिकेश्वरविज्ञप्तिः—शम्भोः समाधेः उत्थानम्
Devas’ Hymn, Nandikeśvara’s Petition, and Śiva’s Rising from Samādhi
तस्मात्त्वया हि सर्वेश त्रातव्या मुनयस्सुराः । दीनबंधुर्विशेषेण त्वमुक्तो भक्तवत्सलः
tasmāttvayā hi sarveśa trātavyā munayassurāḥ | dīnabaṃdhurviśeṣeṇa tvamukto bhaktavatsalaḥ
Therefore, O Lord of all, it is indeed for You to protect the sages and the gods. Most especially, You are renowned as the friend of the distressed and as the One who is tenderly devoted to Your devotees.
The devas and sages (collectively) addressing Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Type: stotra
Role: liberating
FAQs
It affirms Shiva as Pati—the supreme Lord who compassionately protects both the devas and the realized sages, and who is especially moved by sincere bhakti, becoming the refuge (dīnabandhu) of those in distress.
By praising Shiva’s accessible, devotee-loving nature (bhaktavatsala), the verse supports Saguna worship—approaching Shiva through the Linga and personal prayer—trusting His grace and protective power.
A practical takeaway is humble śaraṇāgati (surrender) with japa of the Panchakshara—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—and simple Linga-pūjā, praying for protection of one’s dharma and inner steadiness.