Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 5
क्रौञ्चशरणागमनम् तथा बाणासुरवधः
Krauñca Seeks Refuge; Slaying of Bāṇāsura
संगरात्ते महासेन समुच्छिन्नः पलायितः । न्यपीडयच्च मागत्य हा नाथ करुणाकर
saṃgarātte mahāsena samucchinnaḥ palāyitaḥ | nyapīḍayacca māgatya hā nātha karuṇākara
യുദ്ധത്തിൽ നിന്റെ മഹാസേന ചിതറിപ്പോയി ഓടിപ്പോയി; പിന്നെ അവൻ വന്ന് എന്നെ പീഡിപ്പിച്ചു. ഹാ നാഥാ, കരുണാകരാ, എന്നെ രക്ഷിക്കണമേ।
A distressed supplicant in the Kumārakhaṇḍa narrative (addressing Lord Śiva as compassionate protector)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga episode; the cry ‘karuṇākara’ aligns with Śiva’s compassionate lordship—grace that restores order when dharmic forces are shattered.
Significance: General: calling upon Śiva as ‘karuṇākara’ (source of compassion) is presented as efficacious when worldly supports (armies/powers) fail—anugraha supersedes human/divine effort.
Mantra: हा नाथ करुणाकर
Type: stotra
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It exemplifies śaraṇāgati—taking refuge in Pati (Śiva) when worldly supports (army, power) collapse, emphasizing that grace (anugraha) arises through humble appeal to Śiva as Nātha and Karuṇākara.
The verse approaches Śiva in a personal, Saguna mode—“Lord, compassionate protector.” In Linga-worship, the devotee similarly petitions the ever-present Śiva-tattva for protection and inner steadiness, trusting His compassionate governance.
A practical takeaway is to combine heartfelt prayer with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and, if following Shaiva practice, wear rudrākṣa and apply tripuṇḍra (bhasma) as reminders of refuge in Śiva during fear or distress.