Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 7
शुक्रनिग्रहः — The Seizure/Neutralization of Śukra (Kāvya) and the Daityas’ Despondency
तान् वीक्ष्य विगतोत्साहानंधकः प्रत्यभाषत । दैत्यांस्तुहुंडाहुंडदीन्महाधीरपराक्रमः
tān vīkṣya vigatotsāhānaṃdhakaḥ pratyabhāṣata | daityāṃstuhuṃḍāhuṃḍadīnmahādhīraparākramaḥ
Voyant ces Daitya dont l’ardeur s’était éteinte, Andhaka—ferme et puissant en vaillance—leur adressa de nouveau la parole, parlant aux asura tels que Huṇḍa et Ahuṇḍa.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Yuddhakanda events; the quoted action centers on Andhaka speaking)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse highlights how adharma relies on external excitement and group morale; when courage collapses, the leader (Andhaka) attempts to re-ignite it. In Shaiva Siddhanta terms, this contrasts unstable, ego-driven resolve with steadfast devotion to Pati (Shiva), which alone grants inner fearlessness.
Though the verse is set in a war narrative, it prepares the contrast: Andhaka rallies demons through pride and force, while devotees approach Saguna Shiva (Linga) through surrender, purity, and dharma. The Linga signifies the stable refuge of Pati beyond fluctuating emotions like fear or overconfidence.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate steady courage through japa of the Panchakshara—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—and grounding disciplines like Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrāksha, so one’s resolve is not dependent on outer circumstances.