Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 20
अध्याय १७ — देवपलायनं, विष्णोः प्रतियुद्धं, जलंधरक्रोधः
Devas’ Rout, Viṣṇu’s Counterattack, and Jalandhara’s Wrath
आगतं तस्य तं बाणं दृष्ट्वा दैत्यो महाबलः । छित्त्वा बाणेन विष्णुं च जघान हृदये द्रुतम्
āgataṃ tasya taṃ bāṇaṃ dṛṣṭvā daityo mahābalaḥ | chittvā bāṇena viṣṇuṃ ca jaghāna hṛdaye drutam
那大力的代底耶见那支箭向自己飞来，立刻以己箭将其斩断，并迅疾射中毗湿奴心口。依湿婆悉檀多之见，此段昭示：战场之中一切宇宙威能皆归于湿婆更高的制定之意；即便毗湿奴之勇亦为所依，冲突之戏剧不过是湿婆作为至上主宰（Pati）统御万有与诸力的展开。
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahadeva
FAQs
It highlights that worldly power—even divine power displayed in battle—operates within Śiva’s higher sovereignty (Pati). The shock of reversal (Viṣṇu being struck) teaches humility and the need for surrender to the Supreme Lord beyond all roles.
The Linga symbolizes Śiva as the supreme ground of all divine functions. This verse reinforces that even exalted deities act under that ultimate principle, encouraging devotees to take refuge in Saguna Śiva for protection and grace while recognizing His transcendent supremacy.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate śaraṇāgati (refuge) through japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” supported by vibhūti (tripuṇḍra) and steady breath-focused remembrance, especially during times of conflict or inner agitation.