Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 23
त्रिपुरदाहवर्णनम् | Tripura-dāha-varṇanam
Description of the Burning of Tripura
दग्धुं समर्थो देवेशो वीक्षणेन जगत्त्रयम् । अस्मद्यशो विवृद्ध्यर्थं शरं मोक्तुमिहार्हसि
dagdhuṃ samartho deveśo vīkṣaṇena jagattrayam | asmadyaśo vivṛddhyarthaṃ śaraṃ moktumihārhasi
Oh Señor de los dioses, eres capaz de abrasar los tres mundos con una sola mirada. Sin embargo, para acrecentar nuestra fama, debes soltar aquí tu flecha.
Devas (the gods), addressing Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Tripurāntaka
Sthala Purana: The verse belongs to the Tripuradāha episode: the devas acknowledge Śiva’s effortless power (burning by mere glance) yet request the formal act of releasing the arrow so the cosmic victory becomes a manifest, witnessed līlā that restores devas’ honor and dharma-order.
Significance: Tripuradāha is remembered as the archetype of Śiva’s saṃhāra done for loka-saṅgraha; contemplation of this episode is held to remove fear of hostile forces and strengthen śaraṇāgati (refuge) in Pati.
Type: stotra
FAQs
It highlights Shiva as Pati—the supreme Lord whose mere will (a glance) can dissolve the cosmos—yet who chooses a visible act (releasing an arrow) as compassionate leela to honor and uplift his devotees.
Though Shiva is ultimately beyond form (nirguṇa), this verse emphasizes saguna leela: devotees relate to his manifest action and grace. Linga-worship similarly approaches the transcendent through a sacred, approachable symbol of Shiva’s presence.
Meditate on Shiva’s effortless sovereignty (his “mere glance”) while chanting the Panchakshara—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—cultivating surrender (śaraṇāgati) and trust that Shiva’s actions are for the devotee’s upliftment.