Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 37
तारकपीडितदेवशरणागतिḥ — The Devas Seek Refuge from Tāraka
इत्युक्त्वाहं सुरान्शीघ्रं तारकाख्यासुरस्य वै । उपसंगम्य सुप्रीत्या समाभाष्येदमब्रवम्
ityuktvāhaṃ surānśīghraṃ tārakākhyāsurasya vai | upasaṃgamya suprītyā samābhāṣyedamabravam
かく語り終えて、我は速やかに諸天に近づき、ついでタ―ラカ――タ―ラカースラと呼ばれる阿修羅のもとへ赴いた。和やかな心で礼を尽くして挨拶し、次の言葉を告げた。
Brahmā (narrating his approach in the Tārakāsura episode)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights a dhārmic method of engagement—approaching even an adversary with composure and respectful speech—showing that right conduct (sadācāra) precedes decisive action, and that outcomes ultimately unfold under Śiva’s higher order.
The verse sits within the larger crisis that leads the devas to seek Śiva’s intervention; in Śaiva thought, both devas and asuras remain bound by pasha, and refuge is found in Saguna Śiva (worshipped as the Liṅga) who alone can restore cosmic balance.
A practical takeaway is disciplined speech and mind (mauna-bhāva, śānta-vāk): begin dealings with a brief japa such as “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” cultivating calmness and goodwill before action—especially recommended during Mahāśivarātri observances.