Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 18
युद्धप्रारम्भवर्णनम् — Description of the Commencement of Battle
मिलितास्ते तदा सर्वे देवाश्शक्रपुरोगमा । स्वैःस्वैर्बलैः परिवृता युद्धकामा महाबलाः
militāste tadā sarve devāśśakrapurogamā | svaiḥsvairbalaiḥ parivṛtā yuddhakāmā mahābalāḥ
Alors tous les dieux s’assemblèrent, Śakra (Indra) en tête. Entourés de leurs propres troupes, ces puissants, avides de bataille, se préparèrent au combat.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga episode; the verse functions as a narrative prelude to a devas–asuras conflict within the Kumārakhaṇḍa, setting the stage for Śiva’s superior agency over the limited deva-powers.
Significance: Didactic: highlights the insufficiency of deva-force without Śiva’s anugraha; encourages śaraṇāgati rather than reliance on mere bala (power).
FAQs
It shows the Devas acting within the realm of worldly duty and conflict, while Shaiva teaching points beyond such agitation toward taking refuge in Shiva (Pati), the steady Lord who transcends victory and defeat.
The Devas’ reliance on power and armies contrasts with the Shaiva path of seeking protection and clarity through Saguna Shiva worship—approaching the Linga as the accessible form of the Supreme who grants right order (dharma) and inner fearlessness.
Before engaging in any struggle, one may steady the mind with Panchākṣarī japa ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") and apply Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) as a reminder of impermanence, cultivating Shiva-centered detachment while performing one’s duty.