Shloka 38
Śumbha–Niśumbha’s Mobilization After Devī’s Victories
Battle Muster and Omens
अवादयच्छंखमरिन्दमं तदा धनुस्स्वनं चापि चकार दुःसहम् । ननाद सिंहोऽपि सटां विधूनयन्बभूव नादत्रयनादितन्नभः
avādayacchaṃkhamarindamaṃ tadā dhanussvanaṃ cāpi cakāra duḥsaham | nanāda siṃho'pi saṭāṃ vidhūnayanbabhūva nādatrayanāditannabhaḥ
Then the enemy-subduer blew the conch, and he also made the dreadful twang of the bow. A lion too roared, shaking its mane; and the sky became resounding with that threefold sound.
Suta Goswami (narrating the events to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: destructive
FAQs
The threefold sound signifies the rise of divine resolve (śaṅkha), focused power (bow-twang), and fearless sovereignty (lion-roar). In Shaiva understanding, such sounds mark the awakening of śakti and dharma under the lordship of Pati (Śiva), before decisive transformation occurs.
Though the verse describes an outward martial scene, Shaiva Siddhanta reads it as Saguna Shiva’s protective presence expressed through audible omens of order and victory. The devotee remembers that the same Lord who is worshipped as the Linga also manifests as the power that dispels hostile forces (inner and outer).
As a takeaway, one may begin worship with auspicious sound and recollection—chanting the Pañcākṣarī ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") to steady the mind like a bowstring, cultivating fearlessness and dharmic resolve before japa or meditation.