Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 50
देव-गण-समरः
Devas and Śiva’s Gaṇas Engage in Battle
अत्र त्वमागतः कस्माद्वयं तन्नैव विद्महे । दक्षस्य यज्ञपातात्त्वं कथं जातोसि तद्वद
atra tvamāgataḥ kasmādvayaṃ tannaiva vidmahe | dakṣasya yajñapātāttvaṃ kathaṃ jātosi tadvada
Vì sao ngươi đến đây? Chúng ta thật sự không biết nguyên do. Và ngươi đã sinh ra thế nào từ sự sụp đổ của lễ tế của Dakṣa? Xin hãy nói cho chúng ta rõ.
The assembled gods/sages addressing Vīrabhadra (Daksha-yajña episode narration by Sūta)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse highlights the limits of ego-driven ritual (yajña) and points to Shiva’s supremacy as Pati: when devotion and humility are absent, even grand rites collapse, and divine power manifests to restore dharma.
Daksha’s sacrifice symbolizes worship performed without honoring Shiva’s living presence (Saguna Shiva). Linga-worship in Shaiva tradition emphasizes reverence, inner purity, and surrender—qualities missing in Daksha’s prideful ritual.
The takeaway is to prioritize Shiva-bhakti with the Panchakshara mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and sincere worship; external rites should be supported by inner devotion, humility, and remembrance of Shiva as the indwelling Lord.