Shiva Purana — Satarudra Samhita, Shloka 42
नारीसन्देहभञ्जक-शम्भ्ववतारकथा
The Account of Śambhu’s Incarnation that Dispels Doubts Concerning Women
ब्राह्मण्युवाच । स राजोऽस्य पिता भिक्षो वरभोगान्तरेव हि । कस्माच्छाल्वैस्स्वरिपुभिस्स्वल्पेहैश्च विघातितः
brāhmaṇyuvāca | sa rājo'sya pitā bhikṣo varabhogāntareva hi | kasmācchālvaissvaripubhissvalpehaiśca vighātitaḥ
Sinabi ng babaeng brāhmaṇa: “O mendikante, ang ama niya ay isang hari na tinatamasa ang mga biyayang natamo. Bakit siya winasak ng mga Śālva—sarili niyang mga kaaway—na mga taong mababa ang loob at munting paninindigan?”
A Brahmin woman (Brāhmaṇī)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Bhikṣāṭana
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva insight that worldly boons and royal power are impermanent; when karma and time mature, even a protected king can fall—pointing the seeker toward refuge in Shiva (Pati) rather than transient enjoyments.
By questioning the reliability of boons and status, the narrative implicitly directs devotion toward Saguna Shiva as the steadfast protector; Linga-worship symbolizes anchoring the mind in the eternal Lord beyond political fortunes.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate daily Shiva-bhakti—japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with Tripuṇḍra and/or Rudrāksha—so one’s reliance shifts from external power to inner surrender and steadiness.