Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 43
बाणासुरस्य क्रोधाज्ञा तथा अन्तःपुरयुद्धारम्भः
Bāṇāsura’s Wrathful Command and the Onset of Battle at the Inner Palace
गर्वापहारी भगवान्ना नालीलाविशारदः । नाशयिष्यति ते गर्वमिदानीं भक्तवत्सलः
garvāpahārī bhagavānnā nālīlāviśāradaḥ | nāśayiṣyati te garvamidānīṃ bhaktavatsalaḥ
The Blessed Lord—who removes pride, who is skilled in countless divine līlās, and who is ever affectionate to His devotees—will now destroy your arrogance.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that ego (garva) is a primary pasha (bond) that blocks grace; Shiva, as bhaktavatsala, removes pride so the devotee (pashu) may turn toward liberation through surrender.
In Saguna worship—especially Linga-puja—the devotee approaches Shiva with humility and offering; this verse underscores that Shiva’s grace responds to bhakti and dissolves the worshipper’s arrogance, making worship fruitful.
Practice japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with a deliberate bhava of surrender, and perform simple Linga-abhiṣeka as an antidote to pride, cultivating devotion and humility.