Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 17
संध्याचरित्रवर्णनम् (Sandhyā-caritra-varṇana) — “Account of Sandhyā’s Story”
कामस्य तादृशं भावं मुनिमोहकरं मुहुः । दृष्ट्वा संध्या स्वयं तत्रोपयमायातिदुःखिता
kāmasya tādṛśaṃ bhāvaṃ munimohakaraṃ muhuḥ | dṛṣṭvā saṃdhyā svayaṃ tatropayamāyātiduḥkhitā
Melihat berulang kali keadaan Kāma yang demikian—yang mampu mengelirukan para muni sekalipun—Saṃdhyā sendiri, dalam dukacita, datang ke sana dan berlindung memohon perlindungan.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Role: liberating
FAQs
The verse highlights kāma (desire) as a powerful form of pasha (bondage) that can cloud even disciplined minds; the distressed approach for refuge implies that protection and clarity are ultimately found by turning toward dharma and the higher shelter associated with Shiva’s grace.
When desire agitates and deludes the mind, Shaiva practice recommends taking refuge in Saguna Shiva through Linga-worship—steadying attention with puja, japa, and reverence—so the devotee’s awareness becomes anchored in the Lord rather than in sensory impulses.
A practical takeaway is to seek inner refuge through Panchakshara japa (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with steady breath and a calm seat; supporting disciplines like Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrāksha are traditionally used to reinforce vairagya (dispassion) and remembrance of Shiva.