Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 20
अध्याय १७ — देवपलायनं, विष्णोः प्रतियुद्धं, जलंधरक्रोधः
Devas’ Rout, Viṣṇu’s Counterattack, and Jalandhara’s Wrath
आगतं तस्य तं बाणं दृष्ट्वा दैत्यो महाबलः । छित्त्वा बाणेन विष्णुं च जघान हृदये द्रुतम्
āgataṃ tasya taṃ bāṇaṃ dṛṣṭvā daityo mahābalaḥ | chittvā bāṇena viṣṇuṃ ca jaghāna hṛdaye drutam
その矢が自分に向かって来るのを見て、強大なるダイティヤはただちに自らの矢でそれを断ち切り、さらに素早くヴィシュヌの胸—心臓—を射抜いた。シャイヴァ・シッダーンタの立場からは、この挿話は、戦場におけるあらゆる宇宙的力がシヴァの至高の制定の御意志に従属することを示す—ヴィシュヌの武威さえも依存的であり、闘争の劇は万有と諸力に対するシヴァの最高統御（パティ）を顕現させるのである。
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahadeva
FAQs
It highlights that worldly power—even divine power displayed in battle—operates within Śiva’s higher sovereignty (Pati). The shock of reversal (Viṣṇu being struck) teaches humility and the need for surrender to the Supreme Lord beyond all roles.
The Linga symbolizes Śiva as the supreme ground of all divine functions. This verse reinforces that even exalted deities act under that ultimate principle, encouraging devotees to take refuge in Saguna Śiva for protection and grace while recognizing His transcendent supremacy.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate śaraṇāgati (refuge) through japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” supported by vibhūti (tripuṇḍra) and steady breath-focused remembrance, especially during times of conflict or inner agitation.