Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 24
वृन्दायाः दुष्स्वप्न-दर्शनं तथा पातिव्रत्य-भङ्गोपक्रमः / Vṛndā’s Ominous Dreams and the Prelude to the Breach of Chastity
शिरः कबंधं हस्तौ तौ दृष्ट्वाब्धितनयस्य सा । पपात मूर्छिता भूमौ भर्तृव्यसनदुःखिता
śiraḥ kabaṃdhaṃ hastau tau dṛṣṭvābdhitanayasya sā | papāta mūrchitā bhūmau bhartṛvyasanaduḥkhitā
शिरः कबंधं हस्तौ च तौ दृष्ट्वा अब्धितनयस्य सा । भर्तृव्यसनदुःखिता मूर्छिता भूमौ पपात ॥
Sūta Gosvāmin
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Rudra
Sthala Purana: Battlefield aftermath in the Jalandhara-vadha narrative: the ocean-born demon’s dismembered body becomes the immediate cause for Vṛndā’s collapse, illustrating the shock of saṃhāra and the fragility of worldly supports.
Significance: Contemplation on impermanence (anityatā) and the need to seek the Pati (Śiva) rather than rely on paśu-bound relations; fosters vairāgya.
FAQs
It portrays the crushing force of saṃsāric attachment and grief when one’s support in worldly life collapses; Shaiva teaching turns such shock into viveka (discernment), directing the heart from dependence on the perishable toward refuge in Pati (Śiva), the unchanging Lord.
In the midst of loss and fear, the Purana’s narrative mood implies śaraṇāgati (taking refuge): devotees stabilize the mind by approaching Saguna Śiva through Liṅga-worship—an outward anchor for inward surrender—remembering that Śiva alone remains steady when bodies and relationships are cut down by time.
A practical takeaway is japa of the Pañcākṣarī—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—to steady the prāṇa and mind during grief; if one follows Purāṇic observance, applying tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and holding rudrākṣa supports remembrance of Śiva and inner composure.