Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 14
शिवदूतस्य शङ्खचूडकुलप्रवेशः — The Śiva-Envoy’s Entry into Śaṅkhacūḍa’s City
राज्यं दास्यसि किं वा त्वं करिष्यसि रणं च किम् । तत्त्वं ब्रूहि द्वयोरेकं दानवेन्द्र विचार्य वै
rājyaṃ dāsyasi kiṃ vā tvaṃ kariṣyasi raṇaṃ ca kim | tattvaṃ brūhi dvayorekaṃ dānavendra vicārya vai
کیا تو سلطنت سونپ دے گا یا جنگ کرے گا؟ اے دانوؤں کے سردار، خوب غور کر کے ان دونوں میں سے ایک بات سچ سچ بتا۔
A Deva/royal opponent addressing the Dānava-king (as narrated by Suta Goswami in the Rudra Saṃhitā, Yuddha-khaṇḍa)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It frames a dharmic crossroads—attachment to power versus the consequences of violent ego-driven action—urging truthful resolve (tattva) and deliberate discernment (vicāra), which Shaiva teaching ultimately redirects toward surrender to the Lord (Pati) rather than pride.
Though spoken within a war narrative, it highlights the instability of rājya (worldly rule). Linga-worship in the Shiva Purana trains the mind toward Saguna Shiva as the steady refuge beyond such dualities, transforming decision-making from passion to devotion and clarity.
A practical takeaway is to pause for vicāra before action—apply japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with Tripuṇḍra-bhasma remembrance to cool rajas and choose the dharmic path rather than impulsive conflict.