Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 2
गिलासुर-आक्रमणम् तथा शिवसैन्य-समाह्वानम् — The Assault of Gila and Śiva’s Mobilization
गुहामुखं प्राप्य महेश्वरस्य बिभेद शस्त्रैरशनिप्रकाशैः । अन्ये ततो वीरकमेव शस्त्रैरवाकिरञ्छैल सुतां तथान्ये
guhāmukhaṃ prāpya maheśvarasya bibheda śastrairaśaniprakāśaiḥ | anye tato vīrakameva śastrairavākirañchaila sutāṃ tathānye
Parvenus à l’entrée de la caverne de Maheśvara, ils la frappèrent et la brisèrent avec des armes éclatantes comme l’éclair. Puis certains guerriers firent pleuvoir leurs armes sur cette troupe héroïque, tandis que d’autres, de même, déversèrent une pluie d’armes sur la Fille de la Montagne, Pārvatī.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: destructive
FAQs
It depicts hostile forces attacking even the sacred threshold associated with Maheśvara and targeting the Devī, highlighting that worldly aggression (pāśa) can intensify near dharma—yet the devotee’s refuge remains Pati (Śiva), whose grace ultimately overcomes violence and restores order.
The “cave-entrance of Maheśvara” functions as a sacred locus—like a liṅga-sthāna—where Saguna Śiva is approached as the living protector. The narrative underscores approaching Śiva not only as transcendent (nirguṇa) but also as manifest guardian who responds within history.
A practical takeaway is śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) through japa of the Pañcākṣarī—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—and maintaining Śaiva marks like tripuṇḍra and rudrākṣa as reminders of protection and steadfastness when facing inner and outer conflict.