Shloka 15
एकादशरुद्रावतारकथनम् / Account of the Eleven Rudra Manifestations
Rudrāvatāras
एते सुरास्त्वदीया हि त्वद्भक्ताश्च विशेषतः । दैत्यैः पराजिताश्चाथ पाहि तान्दुःखितान् प्रभो
ete surāstvadīyā hi tvadbhaktāśca viśeṣataḥ | daityaiḥ parājitāścātha pāhi tānduḥkhitān prabho
These gods are truly Yours, and above all they are devoted bhaktas of You. Now they have been defeated by the daityas; therefore, O Lord, protect them who are afflicted with sorrow.
The Devas (collectively), petitioning Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Mantra: एते सुरास्त्वदीया हि त्वद्भक्ताश्च विशेषतः । दैत्यैः पराजिताश्चाथ पाहि तान्दुःखितान् प्रभो
Type: stotra
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It teaches śaraṇāgati (taking refuge): even the devas, when overpowered, rely on Shiva as Pati—the supreme protector of His bhaktas—showing that grace, not mere power, restores dharma.
The appeal “O Lord, protect” is directed to Saguna Shiva as the compassionate, responsive Lord; in Shiva-linga worship, devotees similarly approach the Linga as the accessible form through which Shiva grants protection and order.
A direct takeaway is to practice bhakti with śaraṇāgati—daily japa of the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” while praying for protection and steadiness in dharma.