Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 50
देव-गण-समरः
Devas and Śiva’s Gaṇas Engage in Battle
अत्र त्वमागतः कस्माद्वयं तन्नैव विद्महे । दक्षस्य यज्ञपातात्त्वं कथं जातोसि तद्वद
atra tvamāgataḥ kasmādvayaṃ tannaiva vidmahe | dakṣasya yajñapātāttvaṃ kathaṃ jātosi tadvada
Pourquoi es-tu venu ici ? En vérité, nous n’en connaissons pas la raison. Et comment es-tu né de la chute du sacrifice (yajña) de Dakṣa ? Dis-le-nous clairement.
The assembled gods/sages addressing Vīrabhadra (Daksha-yajña episode narration by Sūta)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse highlights the limits of ego-driven ritual (yajña) and points to Shiva’s supremacy as Pati: when devotion and humility are absent, even grand rites collapse, and divine power manifests to restore dharma.
Daksha’s sacrifice symbolizes worship performed without honoring Shiva’s living presence (Saguna Shiva). Linga-worship in Shaiva tradition emphasizes reverence, inner purity, and surrender—qualities missing in Daksha’s prideful ritual.
The takeaway is to prioritize Shiva-bhakti with the Panchakshara mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and sincere worship; external rites should be supported by inner devotion, humility, and remembrance of Shiva as the indwelling Lord.