Shloka 43
केचिद्बाणैस्तु तीक्ष्णैश्च केचिन्मुसलतोमरैः । केचित्परशुशूलैश्च निजघ्नुस्ते परस्परम्
kecidbāṇaistu tīkṣṇaiśca kecinmusalatomaraiḥ | kecitparaśuśūlaiśca nijaghnuste parasparam
Some struck one another with sharp arrows; some with clubs and javelins; and others with axes and tridents—thus those warriors battered each other in mutual combat.
Sūta Gosvāmī (narrating the battle episode to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
FAQs
By depicting mutual slaughter with many weapons, the verse highlights the turbulence of the bound soul (paśu) under anger and karma; Shaiva Siddhānta reads such scenes as reminders of the impermanence of worldly power and the need to seek refuge in Pati—Lord Śiva—who alone grants peace and liberation.
The battle’s chaos contrasts with the Linga’s meaning as the stable, auspicious center (śānti) of Saguna Śiva worship; turning from conflict to Linga-upāsanā symbolizes moving from pasha-bound agitation to Śiva’s grace (anugraha) and inner steadiness.
A practical takeaway is to counter inner “battle” with japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and cultivate śānti; if aligned with Shiva Purana practice, one may also apply Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) as a reminder of impermanence and restraint.