Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 35
पार्वत्याः तपः—हिमालयादिभिः उपदेशः / Pārvatī’s Austerity and Counsel from Himālaya and Others
ब्रह्मोवाच । विष्णोस्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा सर्व ऊचुस्सुरादयः । महाभीता हठात् क्रुद्धाद्दग्धुकामात् लयंकरात्
brahmovāca | viṣṇostadvacanaṃ śrutvā sarva ūcussurādayaḥ | mahābhītā haṭhāt kruddhāddagdhukāmāt layaṃkarāt
Брахма сказал: Услышав те слова Вишну, все боги и прочие заговорили, объятые великим страхом перед Тем, кто внезапно разгневался, желал сжечь всё и был грозным орудием вселенского растворения (пралаи).
Brahma
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
Significance: Emphasizes Rudra as laya-kartṛ (agent of dissolution): fear of his wrath underscores his sovereignty over saṃhāra and the devas’ dependence on his grace.
Cosmic Event: pralaya (implied through kālānala/laya imagery)
FAQs
It highlights the devas’ helplessness before the power of laya (dissolution) and points to the Shaiva Siddhanta insight that only Pati (the Supreme Lord, Śiva) ultimately governs creation, protection, and dissolution—so refuge lies in surrender rather than fear.
The fear of a world-burning, dissolution-bringing force underscores why devotees approach Saguna Śiva—often through the Liṅga—as the accessible, compassionate Lord who contains and regulates the same cosmic power, transforming terror into grace through worship.
The practical takeaway is śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge) supported by japa of the Pañcākṣarī—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—to steady the mind when confronted with fear and impermanence.