Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 19
अनिरुद्धापहरणानन्तरं कृष्णस्य शोणितपुरगमनम् तथा रुद्रकृष्णयुद्धारम्भः | After Aniruddha’s Abduction: Kṛṣṇa Marches to Śoṇitapura and the Rudra–Kṛṣṇa Battle Begins
शंकरानुचराञ्शौरिर्भूतप्रमथगुह्यकान् । द्रावयामास तीक्ष्णाग्रैः शरैः शार्ङ्गधनुश्च्युतैः
śaṃkarānucarāñśaurirbhūtapramathaguhyakān | drāvayāmāsa tīkṣṇāgraiḥ śaraiḥ śārṅgadhanuścyutaiḥ
Alors Śauri (Viṣṇu), décochant du grand arc Śārṅga des flèches au tranchant aigu, refoula et dispersa les suivants de Śaṅkara — les troupes de Bhūtas, de Pramathas et de Guhyakas.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
FAQs
It portrays the cosmic play where even divine hosts engage in conflict, reminding the seeker that worldly power—whether of gods or beings—remains within the realm of action (karma), while true refuge is in Pati (Shiva) who grants liberation beyond agitation and fear.
The verse highlights Shiva’s Saguna aspect through his gaṇas (attendants) and their roles in divine narrative; such stories support devotional contemplation (bhakti) of Shiva’s manifested lordship, which culminates in reverence to the Linga as the steady, auspicious presence of Shiva amid all turmoil.
As a practical takeaway, one may stabilize the mind during inner “battle” by japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and by adopting Shaiva disciplines like Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrāksha as reminders of Shiva’s protection and mastery over fear.