Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 5
हिरण्यकशिपोः क्रोधः तथा देवप्रजाकदनम् — Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Wrath and the Affliction of Devas and Beings
ततः प्रजानां कदनं विधातुं कदनप्रियान् । निर्दिदेशाऽसुरान्वीरान्हरि वैरप्रियो हि सः
tataḥ prajānāṃ kadanaṃ vidhātuṃ kadanapriyān | nirdideśā'surānvīrānhari vairapriyo hi saḥ
Alors Hari, qui aimait en effet l'hostilité, ordonna aux héroïques asuras, qui se délectaient du carnage, d'entreprendre la destruction du peuple.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
The verse highlights how adharma expresses itself through hatred and needless violence against innocent beings; in Shaiva understanding, such tamasic impulses bind the soul (paśu) more tightly to pāśa (bondage), and the narrative sets the stage for Shiva’s protection of dharma and restoration of order.
In the Yuddha-khaṇḍa setting, rising violence and oppression become the very reason devotees seek refuge in Saguna Shiva as protector; Linga-worship symbolizes turning from destructive enmity to the steady, auspicious presence of Shiva who dissolves fear and re-establishes dharma.
A practical takeaway is to counter enmity with Shiva-centered discipline: japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and wearing rudrākṣa with a vow of ahiṃsā (non-harm), transforming anger into devotion and inner restraint.