Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 59
शिवविहारवर्णनम् (Śivavihāra-varṇana) — “Description of Śiva’s Divine Pastimes/Sojourn”
तत्र गत्वा मया देवैस्स हरिर्देववल्लभः । आर्तवाण्या मुने प्रोचे तारस्वरतया तदा
tatra gatvā mayā devaissa harirdevavallabhaḥ | ārtavāṇyā mune proce tārasvaratayā tadā
तत्र गत्वा मया देवैः सह हरिर्देववल्लभः । आर्तवाण्या मुने प्रोचे तारस्वरतया तदा ॥
Brahma
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
The verse highlights that even exalted beings like Hari can experience urgency and distress, pointing to the Shaiva Siddhanta lesson that all bound souls (pashu)—including gods within cosmic roles—must ultimately seek refuge in the Supreme Pati, Shiva.
The narrative mood of divine distress prepares the ground for taking shelter in Saguna Shiva—often approached through the Linga as a stable, worshipful form—where surrender and devotion become the means to move from agitation toward grace.
In times of inner ‘ārtatā’ (distress), one should steady the voice and mind by japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namah Shivaya) and, as taught in Shiva Purana practice traditions, support it with Tripundra (bhasma) and Rudraksha as aids to remembrance and composure.