Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 38
शङ्खचूडदूतागमनम् — The Arrival of Śaṅkhacūḍa’s Envoy
and Praise of Śiva
यतोधिका चैव कीर्तिर्हानिश्चैव पराजये । तवैतद्विपरीतं च मनसा संविचार्य ताम्
yatodhikā caiva kīrtirhāniścaiva parājaye | tavaitadviparītaṃ ca manasā saṃvicārya tām
தோல்வியில் புகழின் இழப்பே மிகுதியானது. ஆனால் உமது நிலையில் அது மாறுபட்டதாகும்—அதை மனத்தில் நன்கு சிந்தியுங்கள்.
Suta Goswami (narrating the dialogue of the Yuddhakhaṇḍa context)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse highlights viveka (discriminative reflection): worldly defeat usually brings greater loss of reputation, yet the addressee’s situation is exceptional—urging inward contemplation before reacting. In Shaiva thought, this points to acting from dharma and clarity rather than ego-bound kīrti (fame).
While not naming the Liṅga directly, it aligns with Saguna Shiva’s teaching-role in the Purāṇas: devotees are guided to examine motives (honor, fear, pride) and return to dharmic action. Liṅga-worship cultivates this steadiness—offering ego and reputation at Shiva’s feet.
A practical takeaway is manana (quiet reflection) with japa—mentally reviewing one’s intent while repeating the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” letting attachment to victory/defeat subside into Shiva-centered equanimity.