Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 37
शङ्खचूडकृततपः—ब्रह्मवरकवचप्राप्तिः / Śaṅkhacūḍa’s Austerity—Brahmā’s Boon and the Bestowal of the Kavaca
किं त्वं परीक्षसे कांतमीदृशं गुणिनं सति । देवानामसुराणां च दानवानां विमर्दकम्
kiṃ tvaṃ parīkṣase kāṃtamīdṛśaṃ guṇinaṃ sati | devānāmasurāṇāṃ ca dānavānāṃ vimardakam
हे सती, गुणिनी! तू अपने प्रिय को क्यों परखती है—ऐसे गुणवान् वीर को, जो देवों, असुरों और दानवों का भी मर्दन करने वाला है?
Suta Goswami (narrating the Yuddhakhaṇḍa dialogue; speaker within the scene is inferred as a warrior/ally addressing a virtuous lady)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Rudra
FAQs
It highlights discernment and steadiness: a truly capable protector need not be repeatedly “tested.” In Shaiva Siddhanta terms, faith aligned with dharma stabilizes the soul (paśu) amid conflict, while ego-driven doubt becomes a subtle bond (pāśa).
The verse praises manifest strength and virtue—qualities associated with Saguna Shiva’s protection of cosmic order. Linga-worship trains the devotee to move from wavering doubt to grounded trust, seeing divine power as both immanent (Saguna) and ultimately transcendent (Nirguna).
A practical takeaway is steadiness through japa: repeat the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” with a calm mind, optionally with rudrākṣa, to reduce doubt and cultivate resolute devotion during life’s “inner battles.”