Shloka 23
दुन्दुभिनिर्ह्रादनिर्णयः / Dundubhinirhrāda’s Stratagem: Targeting the Brāhmaṇas
निश्शंकम्भक्षयत्येवं न त्यजत्यपि कीकशम् । इत्थं निपातितास्तेन विप्रा दुष्टेन भूरिशः
niśśaṃkambhakṣayatyevaṃ na tyajatyapi kīkaśam | itthaṃ nipātitāstena viprā duṣṭena bhūriśaḥ
Thus, without the least fear, he kept devouring them and did not even discard the bones. In this way, many brāhmaṇas were struck down in great numbers by that wicked one.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
The verse highlights the extreme cruelty of adharma—violence that shows no reverence for the sanctity of the righteous. In Shaiva understanding, such unchecked wickedness invites Rudra’s corrective power, reaffirming that dharma is ultimately protected by Shiva as Pati (the Lord) who restores order.
Though the verse is narrative, its implication is devotional: when the righteous are oppressed, devotees take refuge in Saguna Shiva—worshipped as the Linga—seeking protection, purification, and the re-establishment of dharma. The Linga stands as the stable, compassionate presence of Shiva amid chaos.
A practical takeaway is śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge) through japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” along with simple Shaiva purity observances such as Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and steady remembrance of Shiva to remain fearless and dharmic in times of turmoil.