Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 45
वृन्दायाः दुष्स्वप्न-दर्शनं तथा पातिव्रत्य-भङ्गोपक्रमः / Vṛndā’s Ominous Dreams and the Prelude to the Breach of Chastity
त्वं चापि भार्यादुःखार्तो वने कपिसहायवान् । भ्रम सर्पेश्वरेणायं यस्ते शिष्यत्वमागतः
tvaṃ cāpi bhāryāduḥkhārto vane kapisahāyavān | bhrama sarpeśvareṇāyaṃ yaste śiṣyatvamāgataḥ
Toi aussi, accablé par la douleur de ton épouse, tu errais dans la forêt avec le singe pour allié. Et celui-ci, le Seigneur des Serpents, est venu à toi en disciple ; ainsi, parcours ces lieux avec lui.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the Rudrasaṃhitā account to the sages)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Jyotirlinga: Nāgeśvara
Sthala Purana: The epithet ‘Sarpeśvara/Nāgeśvara’ evokes Śiva as lord of serpents; in Jyotirliṅga lore, Nāgeśvara is revered as the protector from poison, fear, and nāga-afflictions, granting śaraṇāgati to devotees.
Significance: Protection from विष (poison), भय (fear), and inner ‘serpent-like’ passions; cultivation of steadfastness and devotion through darśana of Nāgeśvara.
FAQs
The verse highlights that even great heroes pass through grief and uncertainty, yet the way forward is guided by dharma and discipleship—accepting guidance with humility and moving ahead with steadfast effort.
By invoking a divine epithet like “Sarpeśvara (Nāgeśvara),” the narrative leans toward Saguna devotion—approaching Shiva through named forms and relationships (lord, guide, disciple), which is central to Purāṇic bhakti.
The practical takeaway is guru-bhakti and steady japa: repeat the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with the intention of surrender and guidance, aligning one’s actions with dharma during times of sorrow.