Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 67
कार्त्तिकेयान्वेषण-नन्दिसंवाद-वर्णनम्
Search for Kārttikeya and the Nandī Dialogue
इत्येवमुक्त्वा तं शीघ्रं संबोध्य कृत्तिकागणम् । कार्त्तिकेयः प्रतस्थे हि सार्द्धं शंकरपार्षदैः
ityevamuktvā taṃ śīghraṃ saṃbodhya kṛttikāgaṇam | kārttikeyaḥ pratasthe hi sārddhaṃ śaṃkarapārṣadaiḥ
Ayant ainsi parlé, et s’adressant promptement à cette troupe des Kṛttikās, Kārttikeya se mit en route, accompagné des serviteurs de Śaṅkara.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse highlights aligned action (kriyā) arising from right counsel and devotion: Kārttikeya moves forward only after addressing the Kṛttikās, and he proceeds under Śiva’s aegis—symbolizing that dharmic victory and protection come when one acts in harmony with Pati (Śiva) and the divine order.
Śaṅkara’s attendants accompanying Kārttikeya reflects Saguna Śiva’s living presence through His gaṇas and retinue. In Linga-worship, devotees approach Śiva as both transcendent and accessible; this verse mirrors that accessibility—Śiva’s grace operates through His divine agencies, guiding and safeguarding the devotee’s journey.
A practical takeaway is gaṇa-bhakti and śaraṇāgati: begin undertakings with remembrance of Śiva (e.g., japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and a simple sankalpa for right action, seeking the protection of Śiva and His gaṇas before proceeding.