Shloka 52
त्रिपुरवर्णनम् (Tripura-varṇanam) — “Description of Tripura”
असंभाव्यैककांडेन भिनत्तु नगराणि नः । निर्वैरः कृत्तिवासास्तु योस्माकमिति नित्यशः
asaṃbhāvyaikakāṃḍena bhinattu nagarāṇi naḥ | nirvairaḥ kṛttivāsāstu yosmākamiti nityaśaḥ
“By a single, unimaginable stroke, let him shatter our cities. Yet Kṛttivāsā (Śiva), who is ever without enmity, is always ‘ours’—indeed, he belongs to us continually.”
Sūta Gosvāmī (narrating the Yuddhakhaṇḍa account to the sages; the verse reflects the stance/utterance of Śiva’s opponents within the narrative)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Tripurāntaka
Sthala Purana: Tripura narrative: the opponents concede Śiva’s irresistible power to destroy with a single act, while paradoxically affirming his essential nirvaira (non-hostility).
Significance: Meditation on Śiva’s nirvaira nature reframes fear of divine punishment into recognition of karmic dissolution under the Lord’s impartial governance; supports śaraṇāgati (taking refuge).
FAQs
It highlights Śiva’s essential nature as nirvaira—free from hatred—showing that even when his power destroys obstacles or strongholds, it is not driven by malice but by dharmic necessity and grace; the devotee’s refuge is to claim him as “ours” through surrender (śaraṇāgati).
Calling Śiva “Kṛttivāsā” points to Saguna worship—remembering his named forms and qualities—while his nirvaira nature aligns with the Linga as the compassionate, impartial Lord (Pati) who dissolves bondage (pāśa) without personal animosity.
Contemplate Śiva as nirvaira while repeating the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” offering bhasma (tripuṇḍra) or a simple water libation to the Liṅga, cultivating surrender rather than fear in times of conflict.