Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 31
शिवलोकप्रवेशः
Entry into Śivaloka through successive gateways
तेन निस्सारिताः शंभो पीड्यमानाः समंततः । हृताधिकारस्त्रिदशा विचरंति महीतले
tena nissāritāḥ śaṃbho pīḍyamānāḥ samaṃtataḥ | hṛtādhikārastridaśā vicaraṃti mahītale
Ô Śambhu, chassés par lui et accablés de toutes parts, les trente dieux — dépouillés de leur autorité divine — errent sur la face de la terre.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya, within the Yuddhakhaṇḍa storyline)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
The verse shows that even the devas are not independent lords; when their adhikāra (cosmic office) is lost, they suffer like ordinary beings. In Shaiva Siddhanta, this highlights the supremacy of Pati (Śiva) as the true protector and the one who restores dharma and rightful order.
By addressing Śiva as Śambhu, the narrative points devotees toward taking refuge in Saguna Śiva—worshipped as the Liṅga—when worldly supports fail. The devas’ displacement underscores that only Śiva’s grace stabilizes authority and wellbeing, which Liṅga worship seeks through surrender and devotion.
The practical takeaway is śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) through japa of the Pañcākṣarī—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—along with simple Śiva-pūjā (Liṅga abhiṣeka) and wearing vibhūti (tripuṇḍra) as a reminder that all power is held by Śiva alone.