Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 10
व्योमवाणी-श्रवणं, गणानां शरणागमनं, सती-दाह-वृत्तान्तः — Hearing the Heavenly Voice; The Gaṇas Seek Refuge; Account of Satī’s Self-Immolation
गणास्त्वयुतसंख्याका मृतास्तत्र विलज्जया । स्वांगान्याछिद्य शस्त्रैश्च क्रुध्याम ह्यपरे वयम्
gaṇāstvayutasaṃkhyākā mṛtāstatra vilajjayā | svāṃgānyāchidya śastraiśca krudhyāma hyapare vayam
Là, des gaṇas par dizaines de milliers moururent de honte. Et certains d’entre nous, dans la fureur, allèrent jusqu’à se trancher leurs propres membres avec des armes.
Nandī (speaking on behalf of Śiva’s gaṇas, narrating the humiliation and rage surrounding Satī’s insult at Dakṣa’s sacrifice)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
Sthala Purana: After Satī’s dishonor and death, the gaṇas’ shame and rage reflect the unraveling of dharmic order around the yajña; this sets the stage for Śiva’s destructive rectification.
Significance: Illustrates the peril of adharmic assemblies: even divine attendants are thrown into grief and rage; points to the need for Śiva’s grace to restore equilibrium.
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: destructive
FAQs
It shows how dishonor and social contempt can ignite shame and wrath even in mighty beings; Shaiva teaching emphasizes mastering such reactions through devotion to Pati (Śiva) and inner steadiness, rather than being bound by pasha-like emotions.
The gaṇas’ turmoil highlights the need for a stable refuge; Linga-worship and Saguna Śiva-bhakti train the mind to rest in Śiva’s presence, transforming reactive shame and anger into surrender and dharma-aligned action.
Japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with bhasma (tripuṇḍra) and rudrākṣa is a practical antidote to agitation—cooling anger, dissolving shame, and re-centering the devotee in Śiva-bhakti.