Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 52
गणेश-वाक्यं तथा गणानां समर-सन्नाहः | Gaṇeśa’s Challenge and the Mustering of the Gaṇas
अथ सर्वे मिलित्वा ते निश्श्वस्य च मुहुर्मुहुः । परस्परं समूचुस्ते तत्प्रहारसमाकुलाः
atha sarve militvā te niśśvasya ca muhurmuhuḥ | parasparaṃ samūcuste tatprahārasamākulāḥ
अथ सर्वे मिलित्वा ते निश्श्वस्य मुहुर्मुहुः । परस्परं समूचुस्ते तत्प्रहारसमाकुलाः ॥
Suta Goswami (narrating the events to the sages)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It portrays the natural collapse of ego and confidence when beings are struck by adversity; in Shaiva thought, such distress exposes the limitations of mere strength and turns the mind toward refuge in Pati (Śiva) and the need for grace to overcome pāśa (bondage).
The verse highlights vulnerability and dependence—key dispositions for Saguna Śiva worship, where the devotee approaches the compassionate Lord (often as the Liṅga) for protection, steadiness, and inner purification when worldly forces ‘strike’ the mind.
A practical takeaway is to respond to agitation with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and calming breath-awareness; if following Shiva Purana rituals, one may also wear Rudrākṣa and apply Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) as reminders of Śiva-centered steadiness.