Shloka 15
भूतत्रिपुरधर्मवर्णनम् (Description of the Dharma/Conduct of the Bhūta-Tripura) — Chapter 3
देवा ऊचुः । कथं चैव प्रकर्त्तव्यं कथं दुःखं निरस्यते । कथं भवेम सुखिनः कथं स्थास्यामहे वयम्
devā ūcuḥ | kathaṃ caiva prakarttavyaṃ kathaṃ duḥkhaṃ nirasyate | kathaṃ bhavema sukhinaḥ kathaṃ sthāsyāmahe vayam
The gods said: “How indeed should we act? How is sorrow to be driven away? How may we become happy, and how shall we remain steadfast and secure?”
The Devas (gods)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Role: liberating
FAQs
It frames the core Shaiva problem of saṃsāric distress: the Devas seek the right dharmic course and the means to end duḥkha, implying that true security and happiness arise from correct action aligned with Shiva’s grace (Pati) rather than mere power.
Though the verse is a question, its narrative thrust in the Rudrasaṃhitā typically resolves through taking refuge in Saguna Shiva—approaching Shiva through worship (often Linga-upāsanā), prayer, and disciplined conduct—so that suffering is pacified and stability is restored.
The implied takeaway is śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge) expressed through Shiva-japa—especially the Panchākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—and steady devotional worship, which Shaiva tradition presents as a practical means to reduce duḥkha and gain inner firmness.