Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 19
त्रिपुरवर्णनम् (Tripura-varṇanam) — “Description of Tripura”
तप उग्रं समास्थाय नियमे परमे स्थिता । तपसा कर्षयामासुर्देहान् स्वान् दानवोत्तमाः
tapa ugraṃ samāsthāya niyame parame sthitā | tapasā karṣayāmāsurdehān svān dānavottamāḥ
Assumindo uma austeridade feroz e permanecendo na disciplina suprema, esses eminentes entre os Dānavas mortificaram e emagreceram seus próprios corpos por meio do tapas.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Rudra
FAQs
It highlights that austerity (tapas) and discipline (niyama) can generate great power, but without right orientation toward Shiva (Pati) and liberation, such tapas may remain body-centered and binding rather than purifying.
The verse contrasts sheer ascetic intensity with devotion: Shaiva practice culminates in surrender to Saguna Shiva (often through Linga-worship) and inner purification, not merely self-mortification to gain worldly or combative power.
The implied takeaway is disciplined sādhana—niyama with Shiva-oriented japa (e.g., the Panchakshara “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and regulated living—rather than harsh bodily emaciation pursued for dominance.