Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 48
राहोः शिरच्छेदन-कारणकथनम् / The Account of Rāhu’s Beheading
Cause and Background
देवानपि तथा युद्धे तत्राजीवयदंगिराः । दिव्यौषधैस्समानीय द्रोणाद्रेस्स पुनःपुनः
devānapi tathā yuddhe tatrājīvayadaṃgirāḥ | divyauṣadhaissamānīya droṇādressa punaḥpunaḥ
Sa mismong digmaang iyon, binuhay-muli rin ni rishi Aṅgirā ang mga diyos. Paulit-ulit niyang dinala ang mga banal na halamang-gamot mula sa Bundok Droṇa at ibinalik sila sa lakas, nang muli’t muli.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It shows that in Shiva’s cosmic order, dharma is upheld not only by force but also by sacred wisdom: the rishi’s tapas and divine medicines restore the devas so the righteous cause can continue, reflecting Shiva’s unseen governance of balance.
Though the verse is about battlefield revival, its Shaiva message aligns with Saguna Shiva as the compassionate Lord who sustains and restores creation; the devas’ recovery symbolizes renewed capacity to serve Shiva’s dharma, just as Linga-worship centers on Shiva as the support of all beings.
A practical takeaway is the Shaiva discipline of healing and protection through mantra and sanctified substances—especially japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with vibhūti (tripuṇḍra) for steadiness and restoration of inner strength during adversity.