Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 3
शुक्रनिग्रहः — The Seizure/Neutralization of Śukra (Kāvya) and the Daityas’ Despondency
शिरो विहीना इव देवसंघा द्विजा यथा चाध्ययनेन हीनाः । निरुद्यमास्सत्त्वगणा यथा वै यथोद्यमा भाग्यविवर्जिताश्च
śiro vihīnā iva devasaṃghā dvijā yathā cādhyayanena hīnāḥ | nirudyamāssattvagaṇā yathā vai yathodyamā bhāgyavivarjitāśca
Les cohortes des dieux furent comme sans tête ; tels les deux-fois-nés privés de l’étude sacrée ; tels les êtres de nature sattva sans ardeur ; et tels ceux qui s’efforcent mais sont dépourvus de fortune—ainsi demeurèrent-ils, impuissants et accablés.
Sūta Gosvāmi (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It teaches that mere status (even as devas), mere learning (Vedic study), or even good qualities (sattva) do not succeed without right resolve and, ultimately, Shiva’s anugraha—divine grace that empowers dharma and inner strength.
In the Shiva Purana, Saguna Shiva (worshiped as the Liṅga) is approached for protection and empowerment. The verse underscores that when beings become ‘headless’—directionless and powerless—turning to Shiva through Liṅga-bhakti restores clarity, courage, and auspiciousness.
A practical takeaway is steady japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with humility and surrender, supported by simple Shiva-upāsanā such as Tripuṇḍra (bhasma), Rudrākṣa, and daily Liṅga-abhiṣeka as expressions of seeking Shiva’s grace.