Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 38
अनिरुद्धापहरणानन्तरं कृष्णस्य शोणितपुरगमनम् तथा रुद्रकृष्णयुद्धारम्भः | After Aniruddha’s Abduction: Kṛṣṇa Marches to Śoṇitapura and the Rudra–Kṛṣṇa Battle Begins
शृंगघातविशीर्णांगो गरुडोऽतीव विस्मितः । विदुद्राव रणात्तूर्णं विहाय च जनार्दनम्
śṛṃgaghātaviśīrṇāṃgo garuḍo'tīva vismitaḥ | vidudrāva raṇāttūrṇaṃ vihāya ca janārdanam
Frappé par le choc de la corne, le corps de Garuḍa fut déchiré et brisé; saisi d’un immense étonnement, il s’enfuit promptement du champ de bataille, abandonnant Janārdana (Viṣṇu).
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya in the Shiva Purana’s battle account)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
It highlights the limits of even the greatest celestial powers and vehicles; in Shaiva understanding, all strength is contingent, and awe arises when confronted with the higher, divinely-ordained power that ultimately belongs to Pati (Shiva) and his cosmic will.
The verse supports the Shaiva Purana’s broader message that refuge is not merely in martial might or status but in devotion to the Supreme Lord; worship of Saguna Shiva through the Linga becomes the accessible, steady refuge amid the instability of worldly and even celestial power.
The practical takeaway is śaraṇāgati (taking refuge): steady japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” and daily Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) application to cultivate humility, fearlessness, and unwavering devotion when confronted by adversity.