Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 12
गिलासुर-आक्रमणम् तथा शिवसैन्य-समाह्वानम् — The Assault of Gila and Śiva’s Mobilization
विहाय संग्रामशिरोगुहां तां प्रविश्य शर्वं प्रणिपत्य मूर्ध्ना । प्रोवाच दुःखाभिहतः स्मरारिं सुवीरको वाग्ग्मिवरोऽथ वृत्तम्
vihāya saṃgrāmaśiroguhāṃ tāṃ praviśya śarvaṃ praṇipatya mūrdhnā | provāca duḥkhābhihataḥ smarāriṃ suvīrako vāggmivaro'tha vṛttam
स संग्रामशिरोगुहां विहाय, शर्वं प्रविश्य मूर्ध्ना प्रणिपत्य। दुःखाभिहतः सुवीरको वाग्मी स्मरारिं प्रति यथावृत्तं प्रोवाच।
Suta Goswami (narrating the episode; within the story Suvīraka speaks to Lord Shiva)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahadeva
Role: teaching
FAQs
It highlights śaraṇāgati (taking refuge): even amid conflict and grief, the devotee approaches Śiva with humility (bowing the head) and truthfully reports events, showing that grace and right guidance arise through surrender to Pati (the Lord).
The verse portrays direct devotion to Saguna Śiva—Śarva/Smarāri—through reverential prostration and personal address. This mirrors how devotees approach the Śiva-liṅga: with namaskāra, confession of distress, and seeking Śiva’s protective, compassionate response.
A practical takeaway is daily praṇāma to Śiva (or the liṅga) before speaking or praying—mentally placing one’s burden at Śiva’s feet—optionally accompanied by japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” to steady the mind in sorrow.