Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 36
अनिरुद्धापहरणानन्तरं कृष्णस्य शोणितपुरगमनम् तथा रुद्रकृष्णयुद्धारम्भः | After Aniruddha’s Abduction: Kṛṣṇa Marches to Śoṇitapura and the Rudra–Kṛṣṇa Battle Begins
कृत्वा सहस्रं कायानां पीत्वा तोयं महार्णवात् । गरुडो नाशयत्यर्थाऽऽवर्तैर्मेघार्णवांबुभिः
kṛtvā sahasraṃ kāyānāṃ pītvā toyaṃ mahārṇavāt | garuḍo nāśayatyarthā''vartairmeghārṇavāṃbubhiḥ
Asumiendo mil cuerpos y bebiendo las aguas del gran océano, Garuḍa las destruye por medio de remolinos, valiéndose de las aguas del océano semejante a nubes.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse uses vast cosmic imagery—many bodies, ocean, whirlpools—to show that even immense created power can be manifested and withdrawn; in Shaiva understanding, such might remains within the domain of prakṛti, while liberation depends on Śiva’s grace and right knowledge.
By highlighting extraordinary but still finite feats, the narrative implicitly directs the devotee beyond fascination with power toward steadfast devotion to Saguna Śiva (as worshipped in the Liṅga), who alone is the supreme controller of all manifestations.
The practical takeaway is steadiness of bhakti rather than pursuit of siddhis: meditate on Śiva with the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and maintain purity through regular japa and simple Śaiva observances (e.g., Tripuṇḍra and mindful worship), keeping attention on Śiva rather than marvels.