Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 31
राहोर्विमोचनानन्तरं जलन्धरस्य सैन्योद्योगः — Rahu’s Aftermath and Jalandhara’s Mobilization
मया कृतो रणस्तेन चिरं देवान्वितेन वै । मदुपायो न प्रवृत्तस्तस्मिन्दानवपुंगवे
mayā kṛto raṇastena ciraṃ devānvitena vai | madupāyo na pravṛttastasmindānavapuṃgave
我は神々に支えられたその強者と、まことに久しく戦った。だが、ダーナヴァの中でも最も優れたその者に対して、我が策は成就しなかった。
A Daitya/Dānava leader (narrating his failed strategy in the battle episode, as relayed by Sūta)
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
It highlights the limitation of mere human or demonic “upāya” (strategy) when driven by pride and opposition to dharma; in Shaiva understanding, lasting victory comes through alignment with Pati (Śiva) and righteous order, not through force alone.
The verse contrasts external power with inner grounding; worship of Saguna Śiva through the Liṅga trains the mind toward humility and dependence on divine grace, which is presented in the Purāṇa as the true support beyond alliances and tactics.
A practical takeaway is japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with a humble sankalpa, supported by Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa as reminders to restrain ego and act in dharma.