Shloka 9
Śumbha–Niśumbha’s Mobilization After Devī’s Victories
Battle Muster and Omens
ध्वनिः शतघ्नी जनितो मुहुर्मुहुर्बभूव तेन त्रिदशाः समेजिताः । महान्धकारः समपद्यताम्बरे विलोक्यते नो रथमण्डलं रवेः
dhvaniḥ śataghnī janito muhurmuhurbabhūva tena tridaśāḥ samejitāḥ | mahāndhakāraḥ samapadyatāmbare vilokyate no rathamaṇḍalaṃ raveḥ
Una y otra vez se alzó un bramido aterrador, como el que produce el arma śataghnī; por él los dioses (los Tridaśas) quedaron sacudidos. Una gran oscuridad cubrió el firmamento, y ya no se veía el orbe del sol, el círculo de su carro.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya, as typical for Purana transmission)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Mahākāla
FAQs
The verse depicts a cosmic shock—sound, trembling, and darkness—to show that even the Devas are subject to disturbance when the higher power of Pati (Śiva) or His unfolding līlā manifests. In Shaiva Siddhanta terms, it highlights the insufficiency of mere celestial status and points to refuge in the Lord who alone dispels āṇava-mala and tamas.
When the sun’s visible order is obscured, the devotee turns from external supports to the direct support of Saguna Śiva—worshipped as the Liṅga, the steady axis (ādhāra) of the cosmos. The Liṅga signifies the ever-present Pati beyond changing lights and omens, guiding the mind from fear to devotion.
A practical takeaway is japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with steady breath and mind, especially in moments of anxiety or ‘inner darkness.’ If following Shiva Purana observances, one may add Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa as reminders of Śiva-smarana while cultivating fearlessness and surrender.