Shloka 9
द्वन्द्वयुद्धवर्णनम् / Description of the Duel-Combats
ततो नन्दीश्वरो बाणैः कालनेमिमविध्यत । सप्तभिश्च हयान्केतुं रथं सारथिमाच्छिनत्
tato nandīśvaro bāṇaiḥ kālanemimavidhyata | saptabhiśca hayānketuṃ rathaṃ sārathimācchinat
Then Nandīśvara struck Kālanemi with his arrows; and with seven arrows he cut down the horses, the banner, the chariot, and the charioteer.
Suta Goswami (narrating the battle account to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
Nandīśvara’s decisive victory symbolizes how steadfast devotion (bhakti) and disciplined service to Pati (Śiva) overcomes the forces of adharma; the dismantling of chariot, banner, and driver shows the collapse of ego-driven power when confronted by dharma aligned with Śiva.
Nandī is the foremost attendant and gatekeeper of Saguna Śiva and the Linga tradition; honoring Nandī before approaching Śiva reflects the Purāṇic teaching that humility, right approach, and devotion are the proper doorway to Linga worship.
The practical takeaway is unwavering japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with a devotee’s attitude like Nandī, supported by simple Shaiva observances such as applying tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and maintaining inner steadiness during conflict.