Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 8
कौशिकी-गौरी तथा शार्दूलरूप-निशाचरस्य पूर्वकर्मवर्णनम् | Kauśikī-Gaurī and Brahmā’s account of the tiger-formed niśācara
व्याघ्रमात्रेण सन्नेष दुष्टः को ऽपि निशाचरः । अनेन भक्षिता गावो ब्राह्मणाश्च तपोधनाः
vyāghramātreṇa sanneṣa duṣṭaḥ ko 'pi niśācaraḥ | anena bhakṣitā gāvo brāhmaṇāśca tapodhanāḥ
Il y a ici quelque démon nocturne, pervers, déguisé seulement sous la forme d’un tigre. Par lui, des vaches ont été dévorées, et même des brahmanes riches d’austérité ont été mangés.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Shakti Form: Durgā
Role: destructive
FAQs
The verse highlights adharma as the violent disruption of sacred order—especially harm to cows and tapas-rich Brahmins—signaling a condition that calls for the restoring power of Pati (Shiva) over pasha-like forces of cruelty and delusion.
Such narratives frame Saguna Shiva as the protector of dharma: devotees take refuge in Shiva’s manifest grace (often symbolized by the Linga) when destructive, deceptive forces arise, affirming Shiva as the guardian who removes भय (fear) and restores right order.
A practical takeaway is protective japa of the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” with a dharmic resolve (ahiṃsā and protection of the vulnerable); if performed on Mahāśivarātri, it is traditionally paired with simple abhiṣeka and prayer for removal of negative influences.