Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 37
तारकपीडितदेवशरणागतिḥ — The Devas Seek Refuge from Tāraka
इत्युक्त्वाहं सुरान्शीघ्रं तारकाख्यासुरस्य वै । उपसंगम्य सुप्रीत्या समाभाष्येदमब्रवम्
ityuktvāhaṃ surānśīghraṃ tārakākhyāsurasya vai | upasaṃgamya suprītyā samābhāṣyedamabravam
Pagkasabi nito, dali-dali akong lumapit sa mga deva, at saka nagtungo kay Tāraka—ang asurang kilala bilang Tārakāsura. Taglay ang mabuting loob, magalang ko siyang binati at sinabi ang mga sumusunod.
Brahmā (narrating his approach in the Tārakāsura episode)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights a dhārmic method of engagement—approaching even an adversary with composure and respectful speech—showing that right conduct (sadācāra) precedes decisive action, and that outcomes ultimately unfold under Śiva’s higher order.
The verse sits within the larger crisis that leads the devas to seek Śiva’s intervention; in Śaiva thought, both devas and asuras remain bound by pasha, and refuge is found in Saguna Śiva (worshipped as the Liṅga) who alone can restore cosmic balance.
A practical takeaway is disciplined speech and mind (mauna-bhāva, śānta-vāk): begin dealings with a brief japa such as “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” cultivating calmness and goodwill before action—especially recommended during Mahāśivarātri observances.