Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 42
कार्त्तिकेयान्वेषण-नन्दिसंवाद-वर्णनम्
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कृत्तिका ऊचुः । वत्स सैन्यान्यसंख्यानि वेष्टयामासुरालयम् । किं कर्तव्यं क्व गंतव्यं महाभयमुपस्थितम्
kṛttikā ūcuḥ | vatsa sainyānyasaṃkhyāni veṣṭayāmāsurālayam | kiṃ kartavyaṃ kva gaṃtavyaṃ mahābhayamupasthitam
Para Kṛttikā berkata: “Wahai anak yang dikasihi, bala tentera yang tidak terbilang telah mengepung kediaman kami. Apakah yang harus dilakukan, dan ke manakah harus kami pergi? Ketakutan besar telah datang.”
Kṛttikās
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It portrays the devotee’s moment of संकट (crisis) where human calculation fails; in Shaiva thought, such fear becomes the turning point that drives surrender to Pati (Shiva), the ultimate protector beyond worldly forces.
The verse sets the narrative ground for seeking refuge in Saguna Shiva—approaching the Lord as a living protector. In Shiva Purana practice, this same reliance is expressed through Linga-worship, where the devotee turns anxiety into prayer, offering, and remembrance.
In moments of भय (fear), repeat the Panchākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” mentally take refuge at Shiva’s feet, and (where tradition permits) apply Tripuṇḍra-bhasma as a reminder of Shiva’s guardianship and inner steadiness.