Ūṣā-Haraṇa, Bāṇāsura’s Pride, and Aniruddha’s Capture
Prelude to Hari–Śaṅkara Conflict
स एकदाह गिरिशं पार्श्वस्थं वीर्यदुर्मद: । किरीटेनार्कवर्णेन संस्पृशंस्तत्पदाम्बुजम् ॥ ४ ॥
sa ekadāha giriśaṁ pārśva-sthaṁ vīrya-durmadaḥ kirīṭenārka-varṇena saṁspṛśaṁs tat-padāmbujam
Bāṇāsura say men vì tự phụ sức mạnh. Một hôm, khi Girīśa (Śiva) đứng bên cạnh, y dùng mũ miện rực như mặt trời chạm vào hoa sen nơi bàn chân Ngài, rồi nói như sau.
This verse highlights how being “maddened by valor” (vīrya-durmadaḥ) can cloud humility—prompting actions driven by ego rather than pure devotion.
Touching the lotus feet signifies submission and seeking shelter; here, the act is described externally (touching with a crown), while the verse also hints that inner humility is the real essence.
Cultivate competence without arrogance—offer respect to elders, teachers, and the Divine, and treat achievements as reasons for gratitude rather than pride.