Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 69
देव-गण-समरः
Devas and Śiva’s Gaṇas Engage in Battle
विष्णुरुवाच । युद्धं कुरु महावीर मया सार्द्धमशंकितः । तवास्त्रैः पूर्यमाणोहं गमिष्यामि स्वमाश्रमम्
viṣṇuruvāca | yuddhaṃ kuru mahāvīra mayā sārddhamaśaṃkitaḥ | tavāstraiḥ pūryamāṇohaṃ gamiṣyāmi svamāśramam
毗湿奴曰：“大勇士啊，无所畏惧地与我交战吧。纵使我被你的诸般飞矢所充塞、所逼迫，我亦将退去，回归我自己的静修道场。”
Lord Vishnu
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
FAQs
The verse frames conflict as a dharmic, controlled encounter among divine powers—where ego is restrained and withdrawal is chosen when the purpose is fulfilled. In Shaiva understanding, such episodes ultimately point to Shiva’s supreme governance (Pati) over all energies, even when other deities speak and act with authority.
Even when Viṣṇu appears as an independent speaker, the Shiva Purana’s narrative arc emphasizes that all divine functions operate within Shiva’s overarching reality. For devotees, this supports Saguna Shiva worship (Linga/Śiva-mūrti) as the stabilizing center that harmonizes divine roles and resolves cosmic tensions.
The practical takeaway is fearlessness grounded in devotion: maintain japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) during adversity, and steady the mind with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa as reminders of Shiva’s protection and inner detachment.