Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 36
शिवस्य आश्वासनं हरि-ब्रह्मणोः तथा शङ्खचूडवृत्तान्तकथनम् / Śiva’s Reassurance to Hari and Brahmā; Account of Śaṅkhacūḍa’s Origin
ब्रह्माच्युतौ तदर्थे ही हागतौ शरणं मम । तेषां क्लेशविनिर्मोक्षं करिष्ये नात्र संशयः
brahmācyutau tadarthe hī hāgatau śaraṇaṃ mama | teṣāṃ kleśavinirmokṣaṃ kariṣye nātra saṃśayaḥ
“Sesungguhnya demi tujuan itulah Brahmā dan Acyuta (Viṣṇu) datang berlindung kepada-Ku. Aku akan membebaskan mereka daripada segala penderitaan—tiada syak lagi.”
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: Establishes Śiva as ultimate śaraṇya (refuge); pilgrimage ethos: surrender (śaraṇāgati) to Śiva for kleśa-nivṛtti.
Role: liberating
FAQs
The verse teaches śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) in Śiva as Pati, the supreme protector who removes kleśas (bondage-born afflictions) and grants release—showing that even cosmic deities rely on Śiva’s grace for freedom from distress.
It supports Saguna Śiva-upāsanā: approaching Śiva as the personal Lord who hears prayers, accepts surrender, and actively bestows protection. In Linga worship, the devotee similarly seeks refuge at the Linga, trusting Śiva’s compassionate intervention.
The practical takeaway is refuge through mantra and devotion—mentally offering one’s distress to Śiva while repeating the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and cultivating humility, faith, and dependence on Śiva’s grace.