Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 17
बाणासुरस्य शङ्करस्तुतिः तथा युद्धयाचनम् | Bāṇāsura’s Praise of Śiva and Petition for Battle
स्थापितस्यायुधागारे विना वातकृतं भयम् । तदा युद्धं महाघोरं संप्राप्तमिति चेतसि
sthāpitasyāyudhāgāre vinā vātakṛtaṃ bhayam | tadā yuddhaṃ mahāghoraṃ saṃprāptamiti cetasi
Bien que les armes fussent rangées dans l’arsenal, une crainte sans cause s’éleva, comme soulevée par le vent; et dans le cœur l’on sentit : «Voici qu’est venue une bataille des plus terribles».
Suta Goswami (narrating the Yuddhakhaṇḍa account to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Rudra
FAQs
The verse highlights an inner omen—fear arising without an external cause—signaling the ripening of karma and imminent upheaval. In Shaiva Siddhanta, such mental agitation reflects the movement of pasha (bondage) and the soul’s vulnerability until it rests in Pati (Shiva) through steadiness, devotion, and discernment.
When the mind senses impending turmoil, turning to Saguna Shiva—worship of the Linga with mantra and bhakti—stabilizes awareness and converts fear into surrender. The Linga worship functions as an anchor, reminding the devotee that Shiva presides over both conflict and its transcendence.
A practical takeaway is to steady the mind with japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namah Shivaya”) and, where traditional, to apply Tripundra (bhasma) and wear Rudraksha as reminders of Shiva—transforming sudden fear into focused remembrance and inner protection.