Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 8
शङ्खचूडकृततपः—ब्रह्मवरकवचप्राप्तिः / Śaṅkhacūḍa’s Austerity—Brahmā’s Boon and the Bestowal of the Kavaca
धर्मध्वजसुता सेति संदिदेश च तं विधिः । अन्तर्धानं जगामाशु पश्यतस्तस्य तत्क्षणात्
dharmadhvajasutā seti saṃdideśa ca taṃ vidhiḥ | antardhānaṃ jagāmāśu paśyatastasya tatkṣaṇāt
Brahmā (Vidhi) căn dặn chàng: “Nàng là ái nữ của Dharmadhvaja.” Nói xong, ngay trong khoảnh khắc ấy—trước mắt chàng—Brahmā liền mau chóng ẩn mất.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Īśāna
FAQs
The verse highlights that right knowledge (identifying the true relation/identity) is granted by divine ordinance, and that even exalted cosmic powers like Brahmā appear and disappear—pointing the seeker toward the enduring refuge of Pati (Śiva) beyond transient manifestations.
Brahmā’s sudden disappearance contrasts with the steadiness of Śiva’s worship: the Liṅga symbolizes the stable focus for devotion amid changing forms, reminding devotees to rely on Saguna worship as a gateway to realizing the Supreme who transcends appearance and absence.
A practical takeaway is steady japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with unwavering attention—like holding to the Liṅga as the constant—while applying Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) as a reminder of impermanence and Śiva as the eternal Lord.