Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 1
काम-शक्र-संवादः / Dialogue of Kāma and Śakra
Indra
ब्रह्मोवाच । गतेषु तेषु देवेषु शक्रः सस्मार वै स्मरम् । पीडितस्तारकेनातिदेत्येन च दुरात्मना
brahmovāca | gateṣu teṣu deveṣu śakraḥ sasmāra vai smaram | pīḍitastārakenātidetyena ca durātmanā
ब्रह्मा बोले—जब वे देवता चले गए, तब अत्यन्त दुष्ट और प्रबल दैत्य तारक से पीड़ित शक्र (इन्द्र) ने सचमुच स्मर (कामदेव) का स्मरण किया।
Brahma
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
The verse shows how, under pressure, even Indra turns to the power of desire (Kāma) as a means to change destiny—hinting that worldly forces cannot ultimately resolve cosmic imbalance without Śiva’s higher will (Pati) guiding events.
Tāraka’s oppression sets the stage for seeking Śiva’s intervention in a manifest (saguṇa) way—through divine action in the world—reminding devotees that refuge in Śiva (often approached via Liṅga worship) is the true resolution beyond merely stirring desire or strategy.
A practical takeaway is to restrain kāma through japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and cultivate steadiness with Śiva-bhakti; when afflicted, take refuge in Śiva rather than being driven by impulse.