Shloka 67
क्रोधसंगः कृष्णवर्णो महामहिषवेषवान् । तावन्महेश्वरः प्रोक्तस्तिरोधास्तावदेव हि
krodhasaṃgaḥ kṛṣṇavarṇo mahāmahiṣaveṣavān | tāvanmaheśvaraḥ proktastirodhāstāvadeva hi
Associated with wrath, dark in hue, and assuming the guise of a great buffalo—so long is Maheśvara spoken of as “Tirodhā” (the Veiling Power); indeed, it is only to that extent, as obscuration operates.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
The verse points to Śiva’s tirodhāna-śakti—the power that veils true knowledge—by which the bound soul experiences darkness, agitation, and tamasic tendencies (such as wrath). In Shaiva Siddhanta terms, this indicates the Lord’s governance over bondage as well as liberation, since veiling operates only within its ordained limit.
It clarifies that fearsome or dark forms are functional manifestations of Saguna Śiva connected with cosmic governance (concealment/obscuration), not the final nature of the Supreme. Linga-worship centers the devotee on Śiva as the transcendent Pati beyond such limiting appearances, leading from veiling to grace.
A practical takeaway is to counter “krodha-saṅga” (association with anger) through japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and steady contemplation on Śiva as the inner witness, praying for the removal of tirodhāna and the rise of right knowledge.