Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 39
कार्त्तिकेयान्वेषण-नन्दिसंवाद-वर्णनम्
Search for Kārttikeya and the Nandī Dialogue
रुद्रांश्च भैरवांश्चैव शिवतुल्यपराक्रमान् । अन्यांश्च विकृताकारानसंख्यानपि नारद
rudrāṃśca bhairavāṃścaiva śivatulyaparākramān | anyāṃśca vikṛtākārānasaṃkhyānapi nārada
“(Baginda menzahirkan) bahagian-bahagian Rudra dan bahagian-bahagian Bhairava juga—perkasa dalam keberanian, setara dengan Śiva; dan lagi, wahai Nārada, tidak terbilang yang lain berwujud ganjil dan menakjubkan.”
Brahma (narrating to Narada)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Kālabhairava
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga narrative; Brahmā explains to Nārada the manifestation of innumerable Rudra- and Bhairava-portions, each with Śiva-like prowess—an assertion of Śiva’s unlimited śakti and delegated sovereignty.
Significance: Encourages bhairava-upāsanā as protective devotion and as recognition that all fierce guardians are ultimately Śiva’s aṃśas; fosters surrender (śaraṇāgati) to the Pati beyond fear.
Type: stotra
Shakti Form: Kālī
Role: destructive
Offering: dhupa
Cosmic Event: kalpa (implicit: innumerability across cosmic cycles)
FAQs
It emphasizes Shiva’s boundless, compassionate capacity to manifest innumerable forms—Rudra and Bhairava among them—so beings can approach the Supreme through suitable Saguna manifestations, ultimately leading toward liberation (moksha).
The Linga is the universal emblem of Shiva beyond form, while Rudra and Bhairava are powerful Saguna expressions. This verse supports Shaiva practice by affirming that worship of these forms is worship of Shiva’s own divine power and presence.
Meditate on Shiva as manifesting as Rudra and Bhairava while chanting the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”); for Bhairava-oriented devotion, steady japa with vibhūti (tripuṇḍra) and disciplined conduct is a fitting takeaway.