Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 52
देवदैत्यसामान्ययुद्धवर्णनम् — Description of the General Battle Between Devas and Daityas
एवमन्योन्यमसुरो विष्णुश्च बलवानुभौ । युयुधाते रणे भूरि तत्राक्षतबलौ मुने
evamanyonyamasuro viṣṇuśca balavānubhau | yuyudhāte raṇe bhūri tatrākṣatabalau mune
ಹೀಗೆ ಅಸುರನೂ ವಿಷ್ಣುವೂ—ಇಬ್ಬರೂ ಬಲವಂತರು—ಆ ಮಹಾಯುದ್ಧದಲ್ಲಿ ಮರುಮರು ಪರಸ್ಪರ ಯುದ್ಧ ಮಾಡಿದರು. ಓ ಮುನೇ, ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರ ಬಲ ಅಕ್ಷತವಾಗಿದ್ದು ದೀರ್ಘಕಾಲ ಘೋರ ಸಮರ ನಡೆಯಿತು.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It portrays the intensity of cosmic conflict where even great powers contend, reminding the listener that mere strength does not grant final victory; in Shaiva understanding, ultimate resolution and order rest under the higher sovereignty of Pati (Śiva), beyond the play of opposing forces.
Although the verse describes a battle, the Shiva Purana frames such events within Śiva’s overarching governance of dharma; worship of the Liṅga (Saguna focus leading to Nirguna realization) is presented as the stable refuge amid worldly struggle and shifting power.
A practical takeaway is steadiness in japa and worship during life’s conflicts—especially Panchākṣarī mantra japa (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with disciplined focus—rather than relying on egoic ‘strength’ alone.