Adhyaya 40: Kali-yuga Lakshana, Yuga-sandhyamsha, and the Re-emergence of Dharma
प्रजास्ता वै ततः सर्वाः परस्परभयार्दिताः व्याकुलाश् च परिभ्रान्तास् त्यक्त्वा दारान् गृहाणि च
prajāstā vai tataḥ sarvāḥ parasparabhayārditāḥ vyākulāś ca paribhrāntās tyaktvā dārān gṛhāṇi ca
Kemudian semua makhluk itu, diseksa oleh ketakutan sesama sendiri, menjadi gelisah dan terhuyung-hayang dalam kekeliruan—hingga meninggalkan isteri-isteri dan rumah-rumah mereka.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)
It portrays the condition of prajās (pashus) when dharma collapses—mutual fear and confusion—implying the need to seek refuge in Pati (Shiva), whose Linga is upheld as the stabilizing principle that restores order and fearlessness.
By contrast: when beings are driven by paraspara-bhaya (mutual fear), they are under pasha (bondage). Shiva-tattva as Pati is the fear-dispelling ground of stability (abhaya) that reorients the pashu from chaos toward right order and liberation.
No specific rite is named, but the verse supports the Pashupata emphasis on śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) and inner steadiness—turning from outward panic to disciplined orientation toward Shiva through worship and yogic composure.