Shloka 22
शिवदूतेन युद्धनिश्चयः तथा देवदानवयुद्धारम्भः (Śiva’s Envoy and the Commencement of the Deva–Dānava War)
शरतोमरखड्गाश्च शतघ्न्यश्च सहस्रशः । भिंदिपालादयश्चान्ये वीरहस्तेषु शोभिताः
śaratomarakhaḍgāśca śataghnyaśca sahasraśaḥ | bhiṃdipālādayaścānye vīrahasteṣu śobhitāḥ
Arrows, spears, and swords, and thousands upon thousands of śataghnīs; along with other weapons such as the bhiṇḍipāla and more, shone brilliantly in the hands of the valiant warriors.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
FAQs
Though outwardly a battlefield scene, the verse highlights disciplined valor used in the service of dharma; in Shaiva understanding, true strength becomes auspicious when aligned with Pati (Shiva), the supreme governor of right order.
In the Yuddhakhaṇḍa narrative, the warriors’ might is contextualized under Shiva’s overarching guardianship of dharma; Saguna Shiva is revered as the protector who empowers righteous forces, even amid worldly conflict.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate inner steadiness before action—mentally repeat the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” to align intention with dharma, so one’s power is guided by devotion rather than anger.