Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 22
बाणासुरस्य क्रोधाज्ञा तथा अन्तःपुरयुद्धारम्भः
Bāṇāsura’s Wrathful Command and the Onset of Battle at the Inner Palace
छित्वा तु सर्वगात्राणि राक्षसेभ्यः प्रयच्छ भोः । अथास्य रक्तमांसानि क्रव्यादा अपि भुंजताम्
chitvā tu sarvagātrāṇi rākṣasebhyaḥ prayaccha bhoḥ | athāsya raktamāṃsāni kravyādā api bhuṃjatām
இவனுடைய எல்லா அங்கங்களையும் வெட்டி, ஓ வீரனே, ராட்சசர்களிடம் ஒப்படை. பின்னர் மாமிசம் உண்ணும் கிரவ்யாதர்களும் இவனின் இரத்தமும் மாமிசமும் உண்ணட்டும்।
A battlefield commander/warrior addressing an ally (as narrated by Suta Goswami)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Kālabhairava
Shakti Form: Caṇḍikā
Role: destructive
FAQs
In the Yuddha-khaṇḍa context, this harsh command underscores the Purāṇic theme that adharma, when it becomes violent and obstructive to dharma, meets a fitting end. From a Śaiva Siddhānta lens, it also contrasts the transient, tamasic brutality of demonic forces with Shiva’s higher aim: restoring cosmic order so souls (paśu) may progress toward liberation under the Lord (Pati).
Though not a direct ritual verse, it sits within a narrative where divine order ultimately prevails under Shiva’s sovereignty. For devotees of Saguna Shiva (the Lord with attributes), such episodes reinforce trust that Shiva’s grace and governance remove obstacles to dharma—preparing the devotee for steadier worship of the Liṅga with devotion, purity, and discipline.
No specific rite is prescribed in this line. The practical takeaway is inward: restrain and “cut off” tamasic tendencies (cruelty, hatred, uncontrolled anger) through japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), and stabilize the mind with daily Shiva-oriented discipline (bhakti and self-control) rather than imitating battlefield ferocity.