Shloka 14

शिवदूतेन युद्धनिश्चयः तथा देवदानवयुद्धारम्भः (Śiva’s Envoy and the Commencement of the Deva–Dānava War)

Devanagari script

पलाशेन द्वादशाऽर्का युयुधुर्धर्मतः परे । असुरैरमरास्सार्द्धं शिवसाहाय्यशालिनः

Transliteration

palāśena dvādaśā'rkā yuyudhurdharmataḥ pare | asurairamarāssārddhaṃ śivasāhāyyaśālinaḥ

Translation

Then, in the righteous course of battle, the twelve Ādityas fought with the Palāśa weapon, and the Devas—endowed with Lord Śiva’s support—joined together to contend against the Asuras.

Word by Word

• पलाशेन: by/with Palāśa
• पलाशेन: Sahakāraka/Instrument (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: पलाश (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया-विभक्ति (Instrumental), एकवचन (Singular)

• द्वादश: twelve
• द्वादश: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: द्वादश (प्रातिपदिक/संख्याशब्द)
• Form: संख्यावाचक-विशेषण (numeral adjective), प्रथमा-विभक्ति (Nominative), बहुवचन (Plural) (agreeing with अर्काः)

• अर्काः: the Ārkas (twelve Ādityas / sun-gods)
• अर्काः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अर्क (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (Nominative), बहुवचन (Plural)

• युयुधुः: fought
• युयुधुः: Kriyā (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: युध् (धातु)
• Form: लिट्-लकार (Perfect), परस्मैपद, प्रथम-पुरुष (3rd person), बहुवचन (Plural)

• धर्मतः: according to dharma / righteously
• धर्मतः: Hetu/Adverbial (हेतु/क्रियाविशेषण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: धर्म (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: तसिल्-प्रत्ययान्त अव्यय (ablatival adverb: -तः), अर्थे: 'according to/from the standpoint of'

• परे: the others (the opposing side)
• परे: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: पर (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (Nominative), बहुवचन (Plural); 'others/enemies' as substantive

• असुरैः: with the Asuras
• असुरैः: Sahakāraka/Instrument (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: असुर (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया-विभक्ति (Instrumental), बहुवचन (Plural)

• अमराः: the immortals (Devas)
• अमराः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अमर (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (Nominative), बहुवचन (Plural)

• सार्द्धम्: together with
• सार्द्धम्: Saha (सह)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: सार्द्धम् (अव्यय)
• Form: सह-अर्थक अव्यय/उपसर्गार्थ (indeclinable meaning 'together with')

• शिवसाहाय्यशालिनः: possessing Śiva's assistance
• शिवसाहाय्यशालिनः: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: शिव-साहाय्य-शालिन् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (Nominative), बहुवचन (Plural); विशेषण (adjective) qualifying अमराः

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pati

Shiva Form: Mahādeva

Jyotirlinga Context

Significance: Śiva-sāhāyya (Śiva’s aid) is framed as the decisive spiritual support behind dharmic struggle; the implied fruit is protection and victory of dharma through Śiva’s grace.

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Adityas
• Devas (Amaras)
• Asuras

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

The verse highlights that victory aligned with dharma is sustained by Śiva’s sāhāyya (graceful support). In Shaiva understanding, even divine powers (the Ādityas and other Devas) become effective when they act in righteousness and remain dependent on Pati (Śiva), the supreme Lord.

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

Though set in a battle scene, the theology is Saguna: Śiva is portrayed as the personal Lord who actively supports his devotees. Linga-worship similarly trains the devotee to rely on Śiva as the inner protector and sovereign power behind all action.

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

The practical takeaway is remembrance of Śiva’s aid before undertaking any difficult duty: japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with a prayer for dharmic intention, optionally accompanied by Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa as markers of Śiva-śaraṇāgati (taking refuge in Śiva).