Shloka 44
शिवस्तुतिवर्णनम् (Śiva-stuti-varṇanam) — “Description of Hymns in Praise of Śiva”
एवमिच्छेदिहान्यत्र राजा चेद्राज्यमात्मनः । प्रभुत्वं सर्वलोकानां तस्माद्रक्षस्व मा चिरम्
evamicchedihānyatra rājā cedrājyamātmanaḥ | prabhutvaṃ sarvalokānāṃ tasmādrakṣasva mā ciram
If a king in this world wishes to preserve his own kingdom and maintain sovereign authority over all his realms, then he should protect it at once; he must not delay.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Yuddhakhaṇḍa account to the sages, conveying the counsel given in the battle context)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It emphasizes dharma as timely, decisive protection of one’s rightful duty and responsibilities; delay weakens order and invites disorder, which Shaiva tradition treats as a lapse in right governance and self-discipline.
In Shaiva Siddhanta, Saguna Shiva is the upholder of order and grace; the verse mirrors that principle by urging prompt protection of dharma—ideally supported by prayer, vow, and reliance on Shiva’s guidance before action.
A practical takeaway is to act after centering the mind with Shiva-smaraṇa and japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), seeking clarity and courage before undertaking protective duty.