Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 14
शङ्खचूडवधकथनम् / The Account of Śaṅkhacūḍa’s Slaying
तेन तप्तास्सुरास्सर्वे मुनयो मनवस्तथा । सुनासीरं पुरस्कृत्य ब्रह्माणं शरणं ययुः
tena taptāssurāssarve munayo manavastathā | sunāsīraṃ puraskṛtya brahmāṇaṃ śaraṇaṃ yayuḥ
ఆ బాధతో తపించిపోయిన సమస్త దేవతలు, మునులు, మనువులు—ఇంద్రుని ముందుంచి—బ్రహ్మదేవుని శరణు చేరిరి।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Īśāna
Cosmic Event: Cosmic governance crisis: devas, ṛṣis, and Manus collectively seek a higher authority to restore balance.
FAQs
The verse highlights the instinct of beings bound by pasha (limitation) to seek a higher refuge when overwhelmed; it also sets up the Shaiva theme that worldly authorities (even Brahmā) are approached first, yet final resolution ultimately rests in the supreme Pati, Lord Shiva.
By showing the devas turning to a higher principle for protection, the narrative points toward the need for a dependable refuge beyond fluctuating power—fulfilled in Saguna Shiva worship (including Linga-upasana) as the accessible, grace-bestowing Lord who removes भय (fear) and bondage.
The practical takeaway is śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge) expressed through Shiva-bhakti—daily japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and humble prayer for protection and right guidance when afflicted.