Shloka 4
उग्रा घोरा तनुर्यास्य सो<न्निर्विद्युत् स भास्कर: । शिवा सौम्या च या त्वस्य धर्मस्त्वापो5थ चन्द्रमा:
ugrā ghorā tanur yāsy so 'nnir vidyut sa bhāskaraḥ | śivā saumyā ca yā tv asya dharmas tv āpo 'tha candramāḥ ||
Vāyu disse: “Sua forma feroz e terrível inspira medo; nesse aspecto ele aparece como fogo, como relâmpago e como o sol. Distinta dela é a forma chamada ‘Śiva’ — suave, supremamente serena e auspiciosa; nesse aspecto ele se manifesta como Dharma, como as águas e como a lua.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse distinguishes two complementary modes of the divine: a fearsome, chastening aspect that appears as powerful natural forces (fire, lightning, sun), and a benevolent, auspicious aspect called ‘Śiva’ that sustains moral and cosmic harmony (Dharma, waters, moon). It frames ethics and order (Dharma) as a divine manifestation, not merely a human convention.
Vāyudeva is explaining the deity’s manifestations by contrasting a terrifying form that evokes awe and fear with a separate, auspicious and calming form named ‘Śiva’. He illustrates each form through recognizable cosmic embodiments—fiery and solar powers on one side, and Dharma, water, and lunar coolness on the other.