Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 49
अध्याय १७ — देवपलायनं, विष्णोः प्रतियुद्धं, जलंधरक्रोधः
Devas’ Rout, Viṣṇu’s Counterattack, and Jalandhara’s Wrath
एवं जलंधरः कृत्वा देवान्स्ववशवर्तिनः । धर्मेण पालयामास प्रजाः पुत्रानिवौरसान्
evaṃ jalaṃdharaḥ kṛtvā devānsvavaśavartinaḥ | dharmeṇa pālayāmāsa prajāḥ putrānivaurasān
ଏଭଳି ଜଲନ୍ଧର ଦେବମାନଙ୍କୁ ନିଜ ବଶରେ ଆଣି, ଧର୍ମାନୁସାରେ ପ୍ରଜାଙ୍କୁ ପାଳନ କଲା—ଯେପରି ସେମାନେ ତାଙ୍କର ନିଜ ଔରସ ପୁତ୍ର ହେଉନ୍ତି।
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse highlights that even when power is gained, governance is measured by dharma—protection, restraint, and responsibility. From a Shaiva Siddhanta lens, worldly sovereignty remains subordinate to Pati (Shiva); ethical rule may sustain order, but liberation comes only through Shiva’s grace, not political dominance.
By contrasting human/asuric control over the Devas with the higher sovereignty of Shiva, the narrative indirectly points to Saguna Shiva (as Lord and protector) as the true refuge. Linga-worship centers the devotee in dharma and surrender to Shiva’s supreme lordship, beyond shifting worldly rule.
The practical takeaway is dharmic self-governance: daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with a vow of non-harm and protection of dependents. If one follows Shaiva ritual, applying Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and maintaining truthful conduct aligns outer practice with the dharma praised in the verse.