Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 20
शुक्रस्य जठरस्थत्वं तथा मृत्युशमनी-विद्या (Śukra in Śiva’s belly and the death-subduing vidyā)
रक्षरक्षाभितो विप्र प्रव्रज्य शरणागतान् । असुराञ्छत्रुभिर्वीरैरर्दितांश्च मृतानपि
rakṣarakṣābhito vipra pravrajya śaraṇāgatān | asurāñchatrubhirvīrairarditāṃśca mṛtānapi
Wahai brāhmaṇa, sambil berkali-kali melaungkan, “Lindungilah kami, lindungilah kami!”, para pelarian itu pun berangkat mencari naungan—mereka yang ditindas oleh para pahlawan musuh, bahkan yang telah dibunuh oleh para asura.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Yuddhakhaṇḍa account to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Significance: Implies the salvific power of śaraṇāgati: even the most afflicted seek Śiva’s protection; pilgrimage ethos of ‘come as you are’ to the Lord’s refuge.
Mantra: रक्ष रक्ष
Type: stotra
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It highlights śaraṇāgati—when beings, overwhelmed by fear and suffering, seek refuge, divine grace becomes their true protection; in Shaiva Siddhānta, turning to Pati (Śiva) is the remedy for the bondage and affliction caused by hostile forces.
The cry “Protect us” reflects approaching Saguna Śiva as the compassionate Lord who responds to devotees’ distress; Linga-worship embodies this accessible refuge, where the devotee entrusts life, fear, and fate to Śiva’s protecting presence.
Adopt a refuge-prayer with japa—mentally repeating the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” while offering water to the Śiva-liṅga, and wearing/holding rudrākṣa as a steady reminder of surrender and protection.