Shloka 24
Śumbha–Niśumbha’s Mobilization After Devī’s Victories
Battle Muster and Omens
जडो भवेत्स्फीतमतिर्महामतिर्जडो नृशंसो बहुमन्तु संस्तुतः । पराजयं याति रणे महाबला जयंति संग्राममुखे च दुर्बलाः
jaḍo bhavetsphītamatirmahāmatirjaḍo nṛśaṃso bahumantu saṃstutaḥ | parājayaṃ yāti raṇe mahābalā jayaṃti saṃgrāmamukhe ca durbalāḥ
A dull-witted man may seem to possess a flourishing intellect and be praised as “very wise”; even a cruel and insensitive man may be honored by many. Yet in battle the seemingly mighty can meet defeat, while the seemingly weak can win at the very front of war.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva Purana teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya, within the Umāsaṃhitā discourse)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It teaches viveka (discernment): worldly reputation, intellect, and power can be deceptive, so a seeker should rely on inner purity, steadiness, and dharma rather than appearances—an attitude supportive of Shaiva pursuit of liberation under Pati (Shiva).
Linga-worship trains the devotee to see beyond outer forms and social labels; this verse similarly warns that external signs (praise, status, apparent strength) are unreliable, while devotion, discipline, and Shiva’s grace can overturn outcomes.
Practice steady japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with humility, and cultivate daily self-examination (viveka) so that one’s strength becomes inner—rooted in dharma rather than ego or public acclaim.