Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 42
जालन्धरस्य दूतप्रेषणम् — Jalandhara Sends an Envoy to Kailāsa
The Provocation of Śiva
क्षुधा मां बाधते स्वामिन्क्षुत्क्षामश्चास्मि सर्वथा । किं भक्ष्यं मम देवेश तदाज्ञापय मां प्रभो
kṣudhā māṃ bādhate svāminkṣutkṣāmaścāsmi sarvathā | kiṃ bhakṣyaṃ mama deveśa tadājñāpaya māṃ prabho
சுவாமியே, பசி என்னை வாட்டுகிறது; பசியால் நான் முற்றிலும் சோர்ந்தேன். தேவேசனே, நான் என்ன உண்ண வேண்டும்? பிரபுவே, எனக்கு ஆணையிடுங்கள்।
An attendant/demonic being in the Yuddhakhaṇḍa narrative (a subordinate addressing the supreme lord as Deveśa/Prabhu)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
It highlights dependence on higher authority and the humility of seeking right action even for basic needs; in Shaiva thought, disciplined obedience (ājñā) and restraint over bodily urges support dharma and, ultimately, liberation under Pati (the Lord).
Addressing the supreme as “Deveśa/Prabhu” reflects Saguna devotion—approaching the Lord as a personal governor who guides action; the same attitude underlies Linga-worship where the devotee seeks Shiva’s command and protection.
A practical takeaway is moderation and offering one’s sustenance to Shiva mentally before eating, while repeating the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) to cultivate restraint and surrender.