Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 15
शुक्रनिग्रहः — The Seizure/Neutralization of Śukra (Kāvya) and the Daityas’ Despondency
सनत्कुमार उवाच । इत्यन्धकवचः श्रुत्वा दानवा मेघनिस्स्वनाः । प्रमथान् निर्दयाः प्राहुर्मर्तव्ये कृतनिश्चयाः
sanatkumāra uvāca | ityandhakavacaḥ śrutvā dānavā meghanissvanāḥ | pramathān nirdayāḥ prāhurmartavye kṛtaniścayāḥ
सनत्कुमार उवाच। इत्यन्धकवचः श्रुत्वा दानवा मेघनिस्स्वनाः। निर्दयाः प्रमथान् प्राहुः, मर्तव्ये कृतनिश्चयाः॥
Sanatkumara
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Bhairava
FAQs
It highlights the asuric disposition—cruelty and fixed intent to harm—standing in contrast to Shaiva dharma, where alignment with Śiva (Pati) and his attendants (Pramathas) represents protection of cosmic order and the path away from bondage (pāśa).
The Pramathas are attendants of Saguna Śiva, the Lord who actively protects dharma. The verse frames the battlefield context where devotion to Śiva’s protective, personal aspect is remembered—Śiva as the guardian of his devotees and his divine retinue.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate fearlessness through japa of the Panchākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and remembrance of Śiva as protector; in Shaiva practice, this is often supported by wearing Rudrākṣa and applying Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) as signs of refuge in Śiva.