Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 19
त्रिपुरवर्णनम् (Tripura-varṇanam) — “Description of Tripura”
तप उग्रं समास्थाय नियमे परमे स्थिता । तपसा कर्षयामासुर्देहान् स्वान् दानवोत्तमाः
tapa ugraṃ samāsthāya niyame parame sthitā | tapasā karṣayāmāsurdehān svān dānavottamāḥ
S’étant voués à une austérité farouche et demeurant dans la discipline suprême, ces éminents parmi les Dānavas mortifièrent et amaigrirent leurs propres corps par le tapas.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Rudra
FAQs
It highlights that austerity (tapas) and discipline (niyama) can generate great power, but without right orientation toward Shiva (Pati) and liberation, such tapas may remain body-centered and binding rather than purifying.
The verse contrasts sheer ascetic intensity with devotion: Shaiva practice culminates in surrender to Saguna Shiva (often through Linga-worship) and inner purification, not merely self-mortification to gain worldly or combative power.
The implied takeaway is disciplined sādhana—niyama with Shiva-oriented japa (e.g., the Panchakshara “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and regulated living—rather than harsh bodily emaciation pursued for dominance.