Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 42
विष्णु-ब्रह्म-विवाद-वर्णनम्
Description of the Viṣṇu–Brahmā Dispute and Brahmā’s Confusion
आकाशादीनि भूतानि भौतिकानि च लीलया । इति बुद्ध्वा प्रजानाथ शरणं व्रज मे विधे
ākāśādīni bhūtāni bhautikāni ca līlayā | iti buddhvā prajānātha śaraṇaṃ vraja me vidhe
「虚空（ākāśa）に始まる諸元素、また一切の元素的・物質的なるものは、ただ神のリーラーによって生ずると知れ。これを悟ったなら、衆生の主よ、定めを下す者よ、来たれ、我に帰依せよ。」
Lord Shiva (addressing Brahma/Prajapati in the creation context of the Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: liberating
Cosmic Event: didactic turn from cosmology to refuge: recognition of līlā-based manifestation leading to surrender
FAQs
It teaches that the entire material order—from the subtle element of ether onward—functions under Shiva’s sovereign will as līlā, so liberation begins with recognizing the world’s dependence on Pati (Shiva) and taking refuge in Him.
By urging “take refuge in Me,” the verse supports Saguna-upāsanā as a direct means of surrender: the Liṅga becomes the accessible focus through which the devotee turns from the shifting bhūtas to the unchanging Lord who empowers them.
Practice śaraṇāgati with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), ideally with bhasma (tripuṇḍra) and rudrākṣa, contemplating that all elements arise and dissolve by Shiva’s līlā while the seeker abides in His refuge.