Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 33
युद्धप्रारम्भवर्णनम् — Description of the Commencement of Battle
अथाभूद्द्वंद्वयुद्धं हि सुरासुरविमर्दनम् । यं दृष्ट्वा हर्षिता वीराः क्लीबाश्च भयमागता
athābhūddvaṃdvayuddhaṃ hi surāsuravimardanam | yaṃ dṛṣṭvā harṣitā vīrāḥ klībāśca bhayamāgatā
Alors s’éleva un duel farouche : un combat écrasant entre les devas et les asuras. À cette vue, les braves furent saisis d’allégresse, tandis que les lâches furent envahis par la peur.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
The verse contrasts vīratā (steadfast courage) with klibatā (timidity), pointing to an inner spiritual truth: when dharma is challenged, the disciplined and devoted mind becomes resolute, while an undisciplined mind collapses into fear. In Shaiva thought, such fear is a pasha (bond) that is overcome through grace and right orientation to Pati (Śiva).
Though the verse describes an outer devas–asuras clash, it mirrors inner worship: approaching Saguna Śiva (as protector and lord of dharma) steadies the devotee in conflict. Linga-worship symbolizes anchoring consciousness in Śiva, so the ‘battle’ becomes a movement from agitation to centeredness rather than panic.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate fearlessness through japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") and steady daily Śiva-upāsanā; these Shaiva disciplines train the mind to remain vīra-like (firm) when confronted by turmoil.