Śiva-nāma-smaraṇa and Śambhu’s Protective Manifestation
Dāruka Episode
तानागतांस्तदा दृष्ट्वा भयवित्रस्तलोचनः । शिवं सस्मार सुप्रीत्या तन्नामानि जगौ मुहुः
tānāgatāṃstadā dṛṣṭvā bhayavitrastalocanaḥ | śivaṃ sasmāra suprītyā tannāmāni jagau muhuḥ
Melihat mereka datang, matanya bergetar kerana takut. Namun dengan kasih dan bhakti, dia mengingati Tuhan Śiva dan berulang-ulang melafazkan nama-nama suci-Nya.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Kotirudra Samhita account to the sages)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Significance: Nāma-smaraṇa of Śiva in fear is presented as a direct means to invoke protection and grace (bhakta-rakṣaṇa).
Mantra: (Implied nāma-japa) śivaṃ sasmāra… tannāmāni jagau muhuḥ
Type: stotra
Role: liberating
It teaches śaraṇāgati (taking refuge): when fear arises, the devotee turns inward to Śiva through smaraṇa (remembrance) and nāma-japa, which steadies the mind and aligns it with Pati (the Lord) rather than with pasha (bondage).
Even without describing a ritual act here, the verse emphasizes Saguna-upāsanā through Śiva’s names—an accessible form of worship that supports Linga-bhakti and prepares the heart for deeper contemplation of Śiva’s presence.
Practice Śiva-nāma smaraṇa and japa—especially the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—repeatedly (muhuḥ), as a protective and centering sādhana in moments of distress.