Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 50
विष्णोः स्तुतिः—शिवसतीरक्षावचनम्
Viṣṇu’s Hymn and the Petition for Śiva–Satī’s Protection
विष्णुरुवाच । विधिन्न जहि भूतेश स्रष्टारं जगतां प्रभुम् । अयं शरणगस्तेद्य शरणागतवत्सलः
viṣṇuruvāca | vidhinna jahi bhūteśa sraṣṭāraṃ jagatāṃ prabhum | ayaṃ śaraṇagastedya śaraṇāgatavatsalaḥ
Viṣṇu berkata: «Wahai Bhūteśa, Tuhan segala makhluk, janganlah Engkau memukul Sang Pencipta—Brahmā, penguasa yang melahirkan alam-alam. Hari ini dia telah datang berlindung kepada-Mu; dan Engkau, wahai Śiva, sentiasa mengasihi mereka yang memohon perlindungan.»
Lord Vishnu
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Bhikṣāṭana
FAQs
The verse highlights śaraṇāgati—taking refuge in Śiva—as a direct means to receive grace. Even a cosmic authority like Brahmā is portrayed as protected when he surrenders, emphasizing Śiva as the compassionate Pati who responds to sincere surrender.
Calling Śiva “śaraṇāgata-vatsala” supports Saguna devotion: devotees approach Śiva as a personal Lord who actively protects and forgives. In Liṅga worship, this mood is expressed through humble prayer and seeking shelter at Śiva’s feet, trusting His saving compassion.
The takeaway is śaraṇāgati with mantra-japa—especially the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—performed with a refuge-seeking attitude, accompanied by simple devotion such as offering water to the Liṅga and praying for protection and purification.