Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 44
देव-गण-समरः
Devas and Śiva’s Gaṇas Engage in Battle
चतुर्भुजस्सुसनद्धो चक्रायुधधरः करैः । महाबलोमरगणैर्यज्ञवाटात्स निर्ययौ
caturbhujassusanaddho cakrāyudhadharaḥ karaiḥ | mahābalomaragaṇairyajñavāṭātsa niryayau
彼者四臂，甲胄严整，双手执持轮盘（cakra）为兵；那大力者偕同不死众神之群，自祭场围苑中出行。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights how worldly power and ritual splendour (yajña) can become a stage for ego and conflict; Shaiva teaching emphasizes that true auspiciousness arises from surrender to Pati (Shiva), not from external might or ceremony alone.
The verse sits in the yajña narrative where ritualism is contrasted with reverence for Shiva. In Shaiva understanding, Saguna Shiva (worshipped as the Linga and as the Lord with form) is the rightful recipient of devotion; when that devotion is denied, even grand rites lose their sanctifying power.
The takeaway is to anchor rituals in devotion: perform worship with the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” and cultivate humility (bhakti) so outer rites do not become mere displays of power.