Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 38
जालन्धरस्य दूतप्रेषणम् — Jalandhara Sends an Envoy to Kailāsa
The Provocation of Śiva
महादेव उवाच । प्रभुं च ब्राह्मणं दूतं राह्वाख्यं शरणागतम् । शरण्या रक्षणीया हि न दण्ड्या गणसत्तम
mahādeva uvāca | prabhuṃ ca brāhmaṇaṃ dūtaṃ rāhvākhyaṃ śaraṇāgatam | śaraṇyā rakṣaṇīyā hi na daṇḍyā gaṇasattama
महादेव बोले—हे गणश्रेष्ठ! ‘राहु’ नामक यह प्रभु-स्वरूप ब्राह्मण-दूत मेरी शरण में आया है। शरण देने वालों को शरणागत की रक्षा करनी चाहिए; इसे दण्ड नहीं देना।
Lord Shiva (Mahādeva)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Ishana
Significance: General teaching: śaraṇāgata is inviolable; approaching Śiva (or His kṣetra/temple) as refuge is held to confer protection and removal of fear.
Role: liberating
FAQs
It establishes śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) as a sacred vow: the truly Shaiva-hearted protect the surrendered, reflecting Śiva’s role as Pati—the compassionate Lord who removes fear and safeguards the soul (paśu).
In Saguna worship, Śiva is approached as the refuge-giver (śaraṇya). This verse mirrors that devotional relationship: as devotees seek shelter at the Liṅga, they are called to embody Śiva’s protection and restraint in action.
Practice śaraṇāgati through daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with a vow of non-harm and protection of the vulnerable; let Tripuṇḍra/bhasma remembrance reinforce inner restraint before reacting or punishing.