Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 42
हिरण्यनेत्रस्य तपः — Hiraṇyanetra’s Austerity and the Boon
तस्याविदूरे पुरुषश्च दृष्टस्स वानरो घोरमुखःकरालः । सर्वायुधो रूक्षकरश्च रक्षन्स्थितो जरद्गोवृषभश्च शुक्लः
tasyāvidūre puruṣaśca dṛṣṭassa vānaro ghoramukhaḥkarālaḥ | sarvāyudho rūkṣakaraśca rakṣansthito jaradgovṛṣabhaśca śuklaḥ
Hindi kalayuan sa kanya, isang lalaki ang nakita—mukhang unggoy, may nakakatakot at kakila-kilabot na mukha. May hawak na lahat ng uri ng sandata, magaspang ang kamay at nakatayo bilang bantay, siya ay parang isang matandang toro sa gitna ng mga baka, at siya ay maputi ang kutis.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
FAQs
The verse highlights the presence of a fearsome guardian figure, suggesting that in Shiva’s cosmic order even terrifying forms can serve dharma—protection is not always gentle, but is aligned to the Lord’s will (Pati) safeguarding the righteous.
It reflects Saguna Shiva’s governance: the Lord’s power manifests through forms and attendants who protect sacred purpose. Such descriptions support devotion to Shiva as the immanent ruler whose energies operate through visible, form-based agencies.
A practical takeaway is protective remembrance of Shiva through japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and mental surrender for fearlessness—seeing all protective power as arising from Shiva’s grace.