Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 20
मित्रसह-राज्ञो रक्षत्व-शापकथा — The Curse that Turns King Mitrasaha into a Rakshasa
Vasiṣṭha’s Śāpa Narrative
कुक्षौ गृहीतं भर्तारं दृष्ट्वा भीता च तत्प्रिया । सा चक्रे प्रार्थनं तस्मै वदंती करुणं वचः
kukṣau gṛhītaṃ bhartāraṃ dṛṣṭvā bhītā ca tatpriyā | sā cakre prārthanaṃ tasmai vadaṃtī karuṇaṃ vacaḥ
Nang makita ang kanyang asawa na sinunggaban at hinawakan nang mahigpit sa loob ng tiyan nito, ang kanyang minamahal ay natakot; at, sa pagsasalita ng mga salitang puno ng habag, siya ay gumawa ng isang taos-pusong pagsusumamo sa kanya.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Type: stotra
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse highlights śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) through compassionate prayer when one faces fear and helplessness—an attitude central to Shaiva bhakti, where the devotee turns to Pati (Lord Shiva) as the ultimate protector and liberator.
In Kotirudrasaṃhitā’s Jyotirlinga-centered narrative, such supplication reflects approaching Saguna Shiva—Shiva who responds to devotees’ cries—often worshiped as the Jyotirlinga, the accessible form through which grace (anugraha) is received.
The practical takeaway is prayerful remembrance of Shiva in distress—mentally repeating the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with humility and compassion, seeking anugraha rather than reacting with despair.