Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 3
Śiva-nāma-smaraṇa and Śambhu’s Protective Manifestation
Dāruka Episode
राजापि तत्र चागत्य राक्षसानां स दारुकः । विह्वलस्सबलश्शीघ्रं पर्यपृच्छच्च तं शिवम्
rājāpi tatra cāgatya rākṣasānāṃ sa dārukaḥ | vihvalassabalaśśīghraṃ paryapṛcchacca taṃ śivam
Pagkaraan, dumating din doon ang haring si Dāruka ng mga Rākṣasa. Bagaman nababalisa at may kasamang hukbo, dali-dali niyang tinanong ang Panginoong Śiva, na naghahangad ng kanlungan sa Kanya.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: The verse depicts a rākṣasa king approaching and questioning Śiva in distress—an archetypal ‘śaraṇāgati’ moment; not explicitly mapped here to a named Jyotirliṅga in the provided text.
Significance: Models the turning-point where even an adversarial being seeks refuge; emphasizes Śiva as Paśupati who can loosen pāśa (bondage/fear) through grace.
Role: liberating
FAQs
It shows that even a powerful ruler, when shaken by suffering, turns to Śiva as Pati—the supreme protector and liberator—implying that surrender and inquiry before the Lord is the first step toward grace and release from bondage.
The verse depicts direct approach to Śiva in His approachable (saguṇa) form as protector and refuge—mirroring how devotees approach the Śiva-liṅga at Jyotirlinga sites to seek protection, resolution of fear, and the Lord’s compassionate response.
The practical takeaway is śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) expressed through prayer and inquiry before Śiva—supported by japa of the Pañcākṣarī ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") and devotional worship at a liṅga (abhisheka) when facing distress.