Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 21
देवदैत्यसामान्ययुद्धवर्णनम् — Description of the General Battle Between Devas and Daityas
एवं निशम्य त्वद्वाक्यं वीरभद्रो गणाग्रणीः । अवदत्स रुषाविष्टस्त्वां तदा तु कृतांजलिः
evaṃ niśamya tvadvākyaṃ vīrabhadro gaṇāgraṇīḥ | avadatsa ruṣāviṣṭastvāṃ tadā tu kṛtāṃjaliḥ
Ayant ainsi entendu tes paroles, Vīrabhadra — le chef éminent des gaṇas de Śiva — s’adressa alors à toi. Bien que saisi de colère, il parla les mains jointes en signe de vénération.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the episode to the sages, describing Vīrabhadra’s action)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
FAQs
It highlights a Shaiva ethical ideal: even when the forces of Shiva act with fierce power, they remain anchored in reverence (kṛtāñjali) and disciplined devotion to Pati (Lord Shiva). Wrath is shown as an instrument under dharma, not ego.
Vīrabhadra is a gaṇa-leader acting for Saguna Shiva’s cosmic governance—protecting Shiva’s honor and order. The joined hands signify bhakti and surrender, the same inner posture a devotee brings before the Liṅga even when facing turmoil.
The practical takeaway is to cultivate añjali-bhāva (reverent composure) alongside japa of “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” using worship to transform anger into disciplined, dharmic strength rather than reactive aggression.