Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 13
नारदप्रश्नवर्णन (Nāradapraśna-varṇana) — “Account of Nārada’s Inquiry”
वीर्यान्मुनिवरस्याप्त्वा राक्षसेशत्वमादिशम् । स्यातां विभवसंयुक्तौ बलिनो सुप्रतापिनौ
vīryānmunivarasyāptvā rākṣaseśatvamādiśam | syātāṃ vibhavasaṃyuktau balino supratāpinau
Setelah memperoleh daya dan keperkasaan sang resi yang unggul itu, dia menetapkan bagi mereka kekuasaan sebagai penguasa para Rākṣasa; maka mereka pun dikurniai kemakmuran—perkasa dan amat menggerunkan.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
The verse highlights how tapas-born spiritual potency (vīrya) can confer worldly authority, yet Shaiva Siddhanta cautions that such power is secondary to devotion to Pati (Shiva) and liberation; boons amplify one’s nature, so power without dharma deepens bondage (pāśa).
In the Shiva Purana, Saguna Shiva (worshiped as the Linga) is the ultimate giver of grace, while other gained powers are limited and situational; this verse implicitly contrasts transient dominion (rakshasa-īśatva) with the enduring refuge of Shiva’s worship that leads beyond worldly hierarchy.
A practical takeaway is to channel spiritual energy through Panchakshara japa ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") with bhasma (Tripuṇḍra) and disciplined conduct, seeking Shiva’s anugraha (grace) rather than mere increase of status or force.