Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 33
युद्धप्रारम्भवर्णनम् — Description of the Commencement of Battle
अथाभूद्द्वंद्वयुद्धं हि सुरासुरविमर्दनम् । यं दृष्ट्वा हर्षिता वीराः क्लीबाश्च भयमागता
athābhūddvaṃdvayuddhaṃ hi surāsuravimardanam | yaṃ dṛṣṭvā harṣitā vīrāḥ klībāśca bhayamāgatā
Kemudian bangkitlah pertarungan dwipihak yang dahsyat—pertempuran menghancurkan antara para dewa dan asura. Melihatnya, para wira bersukacita, sedangkan yang pengecut dikuasai ketakutan.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
The verse contrasts vīratā (steadfast courage) with klibatā (timidity), pointing to an inner spiritual truth: when dharma is challenged, the disciplined and devoted mind becomes resolute, while an undisciplined mind collapses into fear. In Shaiva thought, such fear is a pasha (bond) that is overcome through grace and right orientation to Pati (Śiva).
Though the verse describes an outer devas–asuras clash, it mirrors inner worship: approaching Saguna Śiva (as protector and lord of dharma) steadies the devotee in conflict. Linga-worship symbolizes anchoring consciousness in Śiva, so the ‘battle’ becomes a movement from agitation to centeredness rather than panic.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate fearlessness through japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") and steady daily Śiva-upāsanā; these Shaiva disciplines train the mind to remain vīra-like (firm) when confronted by turmoil.