Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 1
काम-शक्र-संवादः / Dialogue of Kāma and Śakra
Indra
ब्रह्मोवाच । गतेषु तेषु देवेषु शक्रः सस्मार वै स्मरम् । पीडितस्तारकेनातिदेत्येन च दुरात्मना
brahmovāca | gateṣu teṣu deveṣu śakraḥ sasmāra vai smaram | pīḍitastārakenātidetyena ca durātmanā
ಬ್ರಹ್ಮನು ಹೇಳಿದರು—ಆ ದೇವತೆಗಳು ಹೊರಟ ಬಳಿಕ, ಅತಿದುಷ್ಟನಾದ ಮಹಾಬಲ ದೈತ್ಯ ತಾರಕನಿಂದ ಪೀಡಿತನಾದ ಶಕ್ರ (ಇಂದ್ರ)ನು ನಿಜವಾಗಿ ಸ್ಮರ (ಕಾಮದೇವ)ನನ್ನು ಸ್ಮರಿಸಿದನು।
Brahma
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
The verse shows how, under pressure, even Indra turns to the power of desire (Kāma) as a means to change destiny—hinting that worldly forces cannot ultimately resolve cosmic imbalance without Śiva’s higher will (Pati) guiding events.
Tāraka’s oppression sets the stage for seeking Śiva’s intervention in a manifest (saguṇa) way—through divine action in the world—reminding devotees that refuge in Śiva (often approached via Liṅga worship) is the true resolution beyond merely stirring desire or strategy.
A practical takeaway is to restrain kāma through japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and cultivate steadiness with Śiva-bhakti; when afflicted, take refuge in Śiva rather than being driven by impulse.