Shloka 5
Śumbha–Niśumbha’s Mobilization After Devī’s Victories
Battle Muster and Omens
निशुंभशुंभौ दितिजान्निदेश्य तान्रथाधिरूढौ निरयां बभूवतुः । बलान्यनूखुर्बलिनोस्तयोर्धराद्विनाशवन्तः शलभा इवोत्थिताः
niśuṃbhaśuṃbhau ditijānnideśya tānrathādhirūḍhau nirayāṃ babhūvatuḥ | balānyanūkhurbalinostayordharādvināśavantaḥ śalabhā ivotthitāḥ
Setelah memerintah para daitya keturunan Diti, Niśumbha dan Śumbha naik ke kereta perang dan menerjang ke medan laga seakan menuju neraka. Pasukan mereka yang perkasa pun menyembur dari bumi, telah ditakdirkan binasa, bagaikan ngengat yang terbang menuju nyala api.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Uma-samhita account to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Kālāntaka
FAQs
It portrays how adharma-driven power, though outwardly “mighty,” moves toward self-destruction; in Shaiva Siddhanta terms, pashu bound by pasha (ignorance and ego) rushes like a moth to flame, meeting vināśa when it opposes divine order.
The verse contrasts demon-led momentum with the stabilizing refuge of Saguna Shiva (and Shiva’s śakti). Linga-worship trains the mind away from the moth-like pull of sense-objects and pride, directing it to the steady, auspicious center (Shiva) that dissolves adharma.
A practical takeaway is to counter ‘moth-to-flame’ restlessness with japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and inner restraint; applying vibhūti (tripuṇḍra) and steady breath can reinforce viveka and humility.