Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 34
देवस्तुतिवर्णनम् (Deva-stuti-varṇana) — “Description of the Gods’ Hymn/Praise”
रक्षास्मान्परमेशान दीनबंधो कृपाकर । त्वयैव रक्षिता देवास्सदापद्भ्यो मुहुर्मुहुः
rakṣāsmānparameśāna dīnabaṃdho kṛpākara | tvayaiva rakṣitā devāssadāpadbhyo muhurmuhuḥ
Protège-nous, ô Parameśāna, refuge compatissant des affligés. Encore et encore, c’est par Toi seul que les dieux ont été sauvés des calamités et des périls.
The Devas (gods), collectively supplicating Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Pashupatinatha
Mantra: रक्षास्मान्परमेशान दीनबंधो कृपाकर । त्वयैव रक्षिता देवास्सदापद्भ्यो मुहुर्मुहुः
Type: stotra
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It expresses śaraṇāgati (surrender): Shiva as Parameśvara and dīnabandhu protects beings from recurring āpada (spiritual and worldly distress), emphasizing that grace (anugraha) is the decisive refuge.
The prayer addresses Shiva in a personal, Saguna mode—approachable as the compassionate Lord who intervenes in crises; such devotion is classically directed to the Śiva-liṅga as the accessible embodiment of Parameśvara’s protecting presence.
A practical takeaway is protective japa with the Panchākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and heartfelt prayer of surrender, especially during fear or adversity, supported by simple Śiva-upacāra (water offering and vibhūti/tripuṇḍra as remembrance of Shiva).