Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 37
विष्णोः स्तुतिः—शिवसतीरक्षावचनम्
Viṣṇu’s Hymn and the Petition for Śiva–Satī’s Protection
देवा ऊचुः । देव देव महादेव शरणागतवत्सल । ब्रह्माणं रक्ष रक्षेश कृपां कुरु महेश्वर
devā ūcuḥ | deva deva mahādeva śaraṇāgatavatsala | brahmāṇaṃ rakṣa rakṣeśa kṛpāṃ kuru maheśvara
دیوتاؤں نے کہا— اے دیوتاؤں کے دیوتا مہادیو، اے پناہ لینے والوں پر مہربان! اے رکھشیش، برہما کی حفاظت فرما؛ اے مہیشور، کرپا کر۔
The Devas (gods)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Mantra: deva deva mahādeva śaraṇāgatavatsala | brahmāṇaṃ rakṣa rakṣeśa kṛpāṃ kuru maheśvara
Type: stotra
Role: liberating
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
This verse highlights śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) as a core Shaiva path: even the Devas rely on Mahādeva’s kṛpā (grace). In Shaiva Siddhānta terms, Śiva as Pati (the Lord) protects and uplifts bound beings through compassion, making surrender a direct doorway to divine help.
The prayer addresses Śiva by personal epithets—Mahādeva, Maheśvara, Rakṣeśa—showing Saguna devotion (bhakti to the Lord with attributes). Linga-worship similarly approaches the transcendent Nirguna reality through a Saguna symbol, seeking protection and grace from the living presence of Śiva.
A practical takeaway is refuge-prayer (śaraṇāgati) with japa: repeat “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” while mentally offering oneself for protection, concluding with a simple plea for kṛpā (grace). This aligns with Shiva Purana devotion-centered worship, especially suitable for Mahāśivarātri vrata and daily Linga-pūjā.