Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 53
शुक्रस्य जठरस्थत्वं तथा मृत्युशमनी-विद्या (Śukra in Śiva’s belly and the death-subduing vidyā)
न किंचिदुक्त्वा स हि भूतगोप्ता चिक्षेप वक्त्रे फलवत्कवीन्द्रम् । हाहारवस्तैरसुरैस्समस्तैरुच्चैर्विमुक्तो हहहेति भूरि
na kiṃciduktvā sa hi bhūtagoptā cikṣepa vaktre phalavatkavīndram | hāhāravastairasuraissamastairuccairvimukto hahaheti bhūri
何ひとつ言葉を発せず、衆生の群れを護る者は、詩人の第一人者を—熟れた果のごとく—その口へと投げ入れた。すると、すべてのアスラが驚愕して「ハー！ハー！」と叫ぶ中、轟く反復の笑い「ははへ」が夥しく湧き起こった。
Sūta Gosvāmī (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Mantra: hahaheti
FAQs
The verse highlights Shiva as Bhūtagoptā—the sovereign protector who subdues demonic pride effortlessly. In Shaiva Siddhānta terms, it points to Pati (Shiva) overpowering pasha-bound arrogance, showing that the Lord’s will alone dissolves fear and ego.
The scene emphasizes Saguna Shiva—Shiva with manifest power acting in the world to protect dharma. Linga worship trains the devotee to see the same supreme Pati behind both tranquil and fierce expressions, cultivating surrender (śaraṇāgati) rather than fascination with mere spectacle.
A practical takeaway is japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) while contemplating Shiva as the inner Protector (Bhūtagoptā). On Mahāśivarātri, combine this with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and steady breath-awareness to dissolve fear and strengthen devotion.