Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 44
शिवस्तुतिवर्णनम् (Śiva-stuti-varṇanam) — “Description of Hymns in Praise of Śiva”
एवमिच्छेदिहान्यत्र राजा चेद्राज्यमात्मनः । प्रभुत्वं सर्वलोकानां तस्माद्रक्षस्व मा चिरम्
evamicchedihānyatra rājā cedrājyamātmanaḥ | prabhutvaṃ sarvalokānāṃ tasmādrakṣasva mā ciram
Kung ang isang hari sa mundong ito ay nagnanais ingatan ang sarili niyang kaharian at panatilihin ang kapangyarihang naghahari sa lahat ng kanyang nasasakupan, kaya nga, ipagtanggol ito agad; huwag mag-atubili.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Yuddhakhaṇḍa account to the sages, conveying the counsel given in the battle context)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It emphasizes dharma as timely, decisive protection of one’s rightful duty and responsibilities; delay weakens order and invites disorder, which Shaiva tradition treats as a lapse in right governance and self-discipline.
In Shaiva Siddhanta, Saguna Shiva is the upholder of order and grace; the verse mirrors that principle by urging prompt protection of dharma—ideally supported by prayer, vow, and reliance on Shiva’s guidance before action.
A practical takeaway is to act after centering the mind with Shiva-smaraṇa and japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), seeking clarity and courage before undertaking protective duty.