Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 21
त्रिपुरमोहनम्
Tripuramohana — “The Delusion/Enchanting of Tripura”
संति दानान्यनेकानि किं तैस्तुच्छफलप्रदैः । अभीतिसदृशं दानं परमेकमपीह न
saṃti dānānyanekāni kiṃ taistucchaphalapradaiḥ | abhītisadṛśaṃ dānaṃ paramekamapīha na
Maraming uri ng dāna, ngunit ano ang silbi ng mga handog na munting bunga lamang ang ibinibigay? Dito, wala ni isang kaloob na maihahambing sa sukdulang kawanggawa: ang pagbibigay ng abhaya—kalayaan mula sa takot at kawalang-katiyakan.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: Not a site-specific verse; it establishes the ethical hierarchy of dāna by exalting abhaya-dāna (granting safety) as the highest, aligning dharma with Śiva’s grace toward bound beings.
Significance: Frames pilgrimage and worship as incomplete without compassion that removes fear—an outward sign of Śiva’s anugraha operating through the devotee.
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It elevates abhaya/abhīti-dāna—removing another being’s fear—as the highest form of charity, because it directly supports dharma and inner steadiness, aligning the giver with Shiva’s grace that dispels भय (fear) and grants protection.
Saguna Shiva as the Linga is revered as the protector who grants abhaya. Worship that culminates in compassion and protection of others reflects true devotion—offering not only substances but also safety, refuge, and reassurance as a living ‘offering’ to Shiva.
Practice abhaya in action: give refuge, prevent harm, and speak truthfully without intimidation; as a Shaiva discipline, pair it with japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) to cultivate fearlessness and extend that steadiness to others.