Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 47
वीरभद्र–देवयुद्धवर्णनम्
Vīrabhadra and the Battle with the Devas
ततः प्रजापतिं धर्मं कश्यपं च प्रगृह्य सः । अरिष्टनेमिनं वीरो बहुपत्रमुनीश्वरम्
tataḥ prajāpatiṃ dharmaṃ kaśyapaṃ ca pragṛhya saḥ | ariṣṭaneminaṃ vīro bahupatramunīśvaram
അപ്പോൾ ആ വീരൻ ആദരപൂർവ്വം പ്രജാപതി ധർമ്മനെയും കശ്യപനെയും കൂട്ടിക്കൊണ്ടു; കൂടാതെ അരിഷ്ടനേമിയെയും മുനികളുടെ മഹാധിപനായ ബഹുപത്രനെയും കൂടി ചേർത്തെടുത്തു.
Sūta Gosvāmi
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga passage; it belongs to the Dakṣa-yajña disruption narrative where Śiva’s gaṇas marshal sages and deities as the sacrificial order collapses under Rudra’s intervention.
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: liberating
Cosmic Event: Dakṣa-yajña upheaval (ritual order overturned by Rudra’s agency)
FAQs
The verse highlights dharmic alignment and the power of satsanga—progress on the Shaiva path is strengthened when one proceeds with Dharma (righteous order) and the guidance of realized sages, which supports devotion to Pati (Śiva) and steadiness of conduct.
Although the verse is narrative, it frames the Shaiva principle that Saguna worship (including Liṅga-upāsanā) is best undertaken under dharma and rishi-guidance—purity of intention and correct observance make external worship an effective vehicle toward inner communion with Śiva.
The implied takeaway is to practice disciplined devotion under dharma: daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with a sāttvic routine, and to seek instruction from competent teachers/sages for proper observances.