Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 14
शिवदूतस्य शङ्खचूडकुलप्रवेशः — The Śiva-Envoy’s Entry into Śaṅkhacūḍa’s City
राज्यं दास्यसि किं वा त्वं करिष्यसि रणं च किम् । तत्त्वं ब्रूहि द्वयोरेकं दानवेन्द्र विचार्य वै
rājyaṃ dāsyasi kiṃ vā tvaṃ kariṣyasi raṇaṃ ca kim | tattvaṃ brūhi dvayorekaṃ dānavendra vicārya vai
«Remettras-tu le royaume, ou mèneras-tu la guerre ? Dis la vérité : choisis l’un des deux, ô seigneur des Dānavas, après mûre réflexion.»
A Deva/royal opponent addressing the Dānava-king (as narrated by Suta Goswami in the Rudra Saṃhitā, Yuddha-khaṇḍa)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It frames a dharmic crossroads—attachment to power versus the consequences of violent ego-driven action—urging truthful resolve (tattva) and deliberate discernment (vicāra), which Shaiva teaching ultimately redirects toward surrender to the Lord (Pati) rather than pride.
Though spoken within a war narrative, it highlights the instability of rājya (worldly rule). Linga-worship in the Shiva Purana trains the mind toward Saguna Shiva as the steady refuge beyond such dualities, transforming decision-making from passion to devotion and clarity.
A practical takeaway is to pause for vicāra before action—apply japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with Tripuṇḍra-bhasma remembrance to cool rajas and choose the dharmic path rather than impulsive conflict.