Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 1
देवपराजयः — शङ्करशरणागमनं स्कन्दकालीयुद्धं च | Devas’ Defeat, Refuge in Śaṅkara, and the Battle of Skanda and Kālī
सनत्कुमार उवाच । तदा देवगणास्सर्वे दानवैश्च पराजिताः । दुद्रुवुर्भयभीताश्च शस्त्रास्त्रक्षतविग्रहाः
sanatkumāra uvāca | tadā devagaṇāssarve dānavaiśca parājitāḥ | dudruvurbhayabhītāśca śastrāstrakṣatavigrahāḥ
Sanatkumāra dit : Alors, toutes les cohortes des dieux, vaincues par les Dānavas, s’enfuirent, saisies de peur, le corps meurtri et déchiré par les armes et les traits.
Sanatkumara
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It shows the limitation of even divine powers when separated from the Supreme Lord (Pati). Fear and defeat become a cue for śaraṇāgati—taking refuge in Shiva—through which protection and right order are restored.
In the Yuddhakhaṇḍa context, worldly supports fail under overwhelming forces; the narrative typically turns the Devas toward Saguna Shiva—worship of Shiva (often symbolized by the Liṅga) as the accessible refuge who dispels भय (fear) and grants victory aligned with dharma.
As a practical takeaway, one may respond to भय and संकट with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and mental refuge in Shiva as protector; if following Shaiva practice, this can be paired with calm breath, Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) remembrance, and a brief prayer for courage and steadiness.