Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 38
तारकवाक्य-शक्रविष्णुवीरभद्रयुद्धवर्णनम् — Account of Tāraka’s declarations and the battle involving Śakra (Indra), Viṣṇu, and Vīrabhadra
तेन वज्रप्रहारेण तारको जर्जरीकृतः । भूमौ पपात सहसा निंदाहतबलः क्षणम्
tena vajraprahāreṇa tārako jarjarīkṛtaḥ | bhūmau papāta sahasā niṃdāhatabalaḥ kṣaṇam
Sa hampas na tulad ng vajra, si Tāraka ay nabasag at nagkadurug-durog. Sa isang kisapmata, winasak ng bigat ng paninisi at kahihiyan ang kanyang lakas, at bigla siyang bumagsak sa lupa.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Kālāntaka
FAQs
It depicts the inevitable collapse of adharma: when divine power strikes, the seeming “strength” of the egoic, blameworthy will is broken instantly, showing that unrighteousness cannot stand before Shiva’s cosmic order.
Kartikeya’s victory is understood as the active (saguṇa) protection of Shiva’s will in the world—Shiva’s grace operates through his divine powers and attendants to restore dharma, which ultimately supports the devotee’s path to liberation.
As a takeaway, contemplate the rapid fall of pride and adharma while repeating the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” cultivating humility and surrender to Shiva’s guidance.