Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 39
देवस्तुतिः (Devastuti) — Hymn/Praise of the Devas
भवान्वाग्व्यवहारेषु भार्गवस्त्वं कविष्वपि । पक्षिष्वेवासि शरभः सिंहो हिंस्रेषु संमतः
bhavānvāgvyavahāreṣu bhārgavastvaṃ kaviṣvapi | pakṣiṣvevāsi śarabhaḥ siṃho hiṃsreṣu saṃmataḥ
在言语与行持之中，汝如婆尔伽瓦（Bhārgava）；在诗人之中，汝亦声名卓著。在群鸟之中，汝为雄伟的舍罗婆（Śarabha）；在诸猛兽之中，汝被公认为狮子。
Suta Goswami (narrating the Yuddhakhaṇḍa dialogue; this verse functions as praise addressed to a heroic figure in the battle narrative)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Śarabheśvara
Sthala Purana: The verse uses exemplars of supremacy in discourse and power: Bhārgava in speech/discipline, Śarabha among birds, lion among fierce beings—suggesting Śiva’s unsurpassed might (aiśvarya) in a battle-adjacent context.
Significance: Invokes protective and victorious aspects of Śiva; recitation is traditionally taken as strengthening courage and removing fear in adversity.
Type: stotra
Role: destructive
Offering: dhupa
FAQs
The verse elevates right speech (vāk) and noble conduct (vyavahāra) as spiritual virtues, and uses images of the lion and Śarabha to symbolize unwavering strength—qualities that, in Shaiva thought, support steadfast devotion to Pati (Shiva) and the protection of dharma.
Though framed as praise of a person, the qualities celebrated—truthful speech, poetic insight, and heroic steadiness—are offerings of character. In Saguna Shiva worship, such inner refinement is considered a living ‘archana’ (honoring) of Shiva, complementing external Linga-puja with inner discipline.
A practical takeaway is vāk-śuddhi (purifying speech): daily japa of the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” with mindful restraint from harsh or false words, supported by simple Shaiva observances like applying Tripuṇḍra and maintaining a sattvic, dharmic demeanor.