Shloka 35
अध्याय ३८ — काली-शंखचूड-युद्धे अस्त्रप्रयोगः
Kālī and Śaṅkhacūḍa: Mantra-Weapons and Surrender in Battle
संग्रामे दानवेन्द्रं च हंतुं न कुरु मानसम् । अवध्योयं शंखचूडस्तव देवीति निश्चयम्
saṃgrāme dānavendraṃ ca haṃtuṃ na kuru mānasam | avadhyoyaṃ śaṃkhacūḍastava devīti niścayam
“In battle, do not set your mind on slaying the lord of the Dānavas. This Śaṅkhacūḍa is certainly invulnerable to you, O Goddess—of this there is no doubt.”
Lord Shiva (addressing the Goddess/Devī in the battle context of the Yuddhakhaṇḍa)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse teaches restraint and discernment: even in conflict, one should not act from impulsive intent. In Shaiva understanding, outcomes unfold under īśvara-niyati (the Lord’s ordering); when a being is protected by a specific divine ordinance or boon, mere force or personal will cannot override it.
As Saguna Shiva, the Lord guides the Devī with compassionate command, showing that true power is not only martial strength but right knowledge of dharma and the limits set by divine law. Linga-worship aligns the devotee’s will with Shiva’s will, cultivating humility and clarity rather than ego-driven action.
The practical takeaway is manasa-saṃyama (mastery of intention): steady the mind with japa of the Panchakshara—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—and approach actions only after inner calm. This supports dharmic decision-making, especially when facing anger or conflict.