Shloka 16

अध्याय १०१: हैमवती-तपः, तारकवंश-उत्पातः, स्कन्द-प्रत्याशा, मदनदहनम्

Devanagari script

देवताश् च सहेन्द्रेण तारकाद्भयपीडिताः न शान्तिं लेभिरे शूराः शरणं वा भयार्दिताः

Transliteration

devatāś ca sahendreṇa tārakādbhayapīḍitāḥ na śāntiṃ lebhire śūrāḥ śaraṇaṃ vā bhayārditāḥ

Translation

Tourmentés par la crainte de Tāraka, les Deva—avec Indra—ne trouvèrent point de paix; bien que vaillants, la terreur les poussa à chercher un refuge au-delà de leur propre pouvoir.

Word by Word

• देवताः: the gods (Devas)

• च: and

• सह-इन्द्रेण: together with Indra

• तारकात्: from Tāraka

• भय-पीडिताः: afflicted/tormented by fear

• न: not

• शान्तिम्: peace, calm

• लेभिरे: obtained, found

• शूराः: heroes, the valiant

• शरणम्: refuge, shelter

• वा: or/indeed

• भय-अर्दिताः: struck down/overwhelmed by fear

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the Devas’ predicament within the Taraka episode)

Characters & Entities

• Indra
• Devas
• Taraka

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It frames the core Purāṇic impulse behind Linga-upāsanā: when even the Devas cannot secure peace, true śaraṇa is sought in Pati (Śiva), whose presence is iconically approached through the Linga as the stable refuge beyond fear.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

By highlighting the Devas’ inability to find śānti through their own strength, the verse implies Shiva-tattva as the transcendent Pati—independent, fear-dispelling, and the ultimate ground of protection when pasha (bondage in the form of भय/fear) overwhelms the pashus (dependent beings).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The practical takeaway is śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) as a Pāśupata-aligned discipline: turning the mind from भय (pāśa) toward Pati through remembrance, prayer, and Linga-centered worship when worldly power fails.