Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 21
तारक-कुमार-युद्धवर्णनम् / Description of the Battle between Tāraka and Kumāra
अभ्यासपरमावास्तामन्योन्यं विजिगीषया । पदातिनौ युध्यमान्नौ चित्ररूपौ तरस्विनौ
abhyāsaparamāvāstāmanyonyaṃ vijigīṣayā | padātinau yudhyamānnau citrarūpau tarasvinau
Poussés par l’exercice incessant et par le désir de se vaincre l’un l’autre, ces deux puissants fantassins—vigoureux et d’allure saisissante—continuèrent à se battre, enlacés dans le corps à corps.
Sūta Gosvāmi (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights abhyāsa (disciplined practice) and determined effort—qualities that, in Shaiva understanding, are also required to overcome inner foes like pride, anger, and delusion while remaining aligned with dharma.
Though the verse is a battle description, the Shiva Purana often frames outer conflict as mirroring inner sādhana: devotion to Saguna Shiva (through Linga-worship, mantra, and discipline) strengthens steadiness and mastery, like trained warriors in combat.
The implied takeaway is abhyāsa: steady daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with regulated conduct; if practiced, it builds the same firmness and focus described in the verse.