Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 18
बाणासुरस्य शङ्करस्तुतिः तथा युद्धयाचनम् | Bāṇāsura’s Praise of Śiva and Petition for Battle
निधाय घोरं संग्रामं गच्छेथाः सर्वसैन्यवान् । सांप्रतं गच्छ तद्वेश्म यतस्तद्विद्यते शिवः
nidhāya ghoraṃ saṃgrāmaṃ gacchethāḥ sarvasainyavān | sāṃprataṃ gaccha tadveśma yatastadvidyate śivaḥ
सर्वसैन्यवान् घोरं संग्रामं निधाय, सांप्रतम् तत् वेश्म गच्छ । यतः तत्रैव शिवो विद्यते ॥
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the Yuddha-khaṇḍa episode; the immediate instruction is spoken by a commander/authority figure within the battle narrative)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse emphasizes that even amid fearsome conflict, the decisive spiritual act is to turn toward Śiva’s presence—Śiva is the ultimate refuge (Pati) who grants protection, right direction, and the possibility of liberation beyond worldly strife.
It reflects the Shaiva Purana theme that Śiva becomes accessible through a definite locus of presence—an abode, shrine, or sacred seat—paralleling how devotees approach the Śiva-liṅga as a tangible focus for Saguna worship where Śiva is ‘found’ and grace is received.
The practical takeaway is to take shelter in Śiva through remembrance and approach: mentally ‘go’ to Śiva by japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and, where possible, physically go to Śiva’s temple/liṅga for darśana—seeking protection and inner steadiness.