Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 31
युद्धप्रसङ्गः—देवगणयुद्धे शिवविष्णुसंयोगः / Battle Episode—Śiva–Viṣṇu Convergence in the Devas’ Conflict
एवं विचरितं कालं महावीरावुभावपि । विष्णुश्चापि गणश्चैव युयुधाते परस्परम्
evaṃ vicaritaṃ kālaṃ mahāvīrāvubhāvapi | viṣṇuścāpi gaṇaścaiva yuyudhāte parasparam
Demikianlah, apabila masa berlalu, kedua-dua pahlawan agung itu terus bertahan; dan Viṣṇu serta gaṇa Śiva pun bertempur sesama sendiri dalam pertempuran berbalas-serangan.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Rudra
FAQs
The verse highlights that even exalted divine forces may appear to clash within cosmic play, yet Shaiva Siddhanta emphasizes Śiva as Pati—the supreme governor—under whose will such events unfold to restore dharma and dissolve pride, guiding beings toward humility and right understanding.
By depicting Śiva’s gaṇas acting in the world, the text points to Saguna Śiva—Śiva with attributes—who engages through His attendants and powers. Linga worship centers the devotee on Śiva as the stable, transcendent reality beyond apparent conflict, reconciling differing divine functions in one supreme principle.
A practical takeaway is to steady the mind in japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and cultivate forbearance; when confronted by conflict, remember Śiva as the inner ruler (Pati) and respond without ego, supported by simple disciplines like bhasma-dhāraṇa (Tripuṇḍra) and mantra-japa.