Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 36
त्रिपुरदाहवर्णनम् | Tripura-dāha-varṇanam
Description of the Burning of Tripura
स्त्रियो वा पुरुषा वापि वाहनानि च तत्र ये । सर्वे तेनाग्निना दग्धाः कल्पान्ते तु जगद्यथा
striyo vā puruṣā vāpi vāhanāni ca tatra ye | sarve tenāgninā dagdhāḥ kalpānte tu jagadyathā
அங்கே இருந்த பெண்களோ ஆண்களோ, மேலும் அங்கிருந்த வாகனங்களும் யானங்களும்—அனைத்தும் அந்த அக்கினியால் எரிந்து அழிந்தன; கல்பாந்தத்தில் உலகமெல்லாம் அக்கினியால் கருகுவது போல।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Kālāntaka
Significance: The kalpānta analogy universalizes Śiva’s saṃhāra: pilgrimage contemplation of Śiva as Kāla (Time) is said to loosen attachment and fear of death.
Type: mahamrityunjaya
Role: destructive
Cosmic Event: kalpānta-dāha (end-of-aeon conflagration) invoked as simile for total consumption.
FAQs
It emphasizes the all-consuming, impartial nature of destructive time and cosmic fire—reminding the seeker that worldly identities and supports (even “vehicles”) are transient, while liberation is sought in the eternal Pati (Shiva) beyond pralaya.
The verse contrasts perishable forms with the imperishable reality; in Shaiva practice, the Linga signifies Shiva as the abiding ground that remains when names and forms are dissolved, guiding devotion from fear of destruction toward surrender to Shiva’s transcendent nature.
A practical takeaway is steady japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with remembrance of impermanence, supported by Shaiva disciplines like Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrāksha as aids to detachment and Shiva-centered awareness.