Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 59
विष्णुचेष्टितवर्णनम् / Account of Viṣṇu’s Stratagem and Its Aftermath
पठित्वा य इदं धीमानाख्यानं परमोत्तमम् । संग्रामं प्रविशेद्वीरो विजयी स्यान्न संशयः
paṭhitvā ya idaṃ dhīmānākhyānaṃ paramottamam | saṃgrāmaṃ praviśedvīro vijayī syānna saṃśayaḥ
पठित्वा य इदं धीमानाख्यानं परमोत्तमम्। संग्रामं प्रविशेद्वीरो विजयी स्यान्न संशयः॥
Suta Goswami (narrating the phalaśruti to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
Significance: Positions Śiva-kathā as protective merit (rakṣā) for worldly dharma: for one entering saṅgrāma, the narrative functions like a spiritual armor ensuring success aligned with righteous order.
Type: kavaca
FAQs
It teaches that śraddhā-filled recitation of Shiva’s sacred narrative becomes a protective spiritual force: by aligning the mind with Śiva (Pati) and dharma, fear and doubt diminish, and success in one’s righteous undertaking follows.
The verse is a phalaśruti for devotion to Saguna Shiva through kathā-pāṭha (recitation of His līlā). Such remembrance supports the devotee’s resolve and invites Shiva’s anugraha (grace), the inner source of victory over outer and inner enemies.
Regular pāṭha (recitation) or śravaṇa (listening) of the Shiva Purana—ideally preceded by simple Shiva-upāsanā such as chanting “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” and offering water to the Liṅga—serves as a focused practice for courage, clarity, and protection.