Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 49
भूतत्रिपुरधर्मवर्णनम् (Description of the Dharma/Conduct of the Bhūta-Tripura) — Chapter 3
इति निश्चित्य वै विष्णुर्विघ्नार्थमकरोत्तदा । तेषां धर्मस्य दैत्यानामुपायं श्रुति खण्डनम्
iti niścitya vai viṣṇurvighnārthamakarottadā | teṣāṃ dharmasya daityānāmupāyaṃ śruti khaṇḍanam
既已如此决断，毗湿奴便着手制造障碍。为动摇代底耶之法，他施以“破坏”之策——扰乱并歪曲圣闻（Śruti，吠陀启示）的权威。
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
The verse shows that when dharma becomes a tool of ego and power (as with the Daityas), divine governance may permit confusion around sacred authority (Śruti) so that false religiosity collapses and the soul is redirected toward true alignment with Pati (Śiva), the ultimate ground of dharma.
In Śaiva understanding, authentic Śiva-worship (Liṅga/Saguṇa upāsanā) rests on right doctrine and right conduct. ‘Śruti-khaṇḍanam’ highlights that when revelation is distorted, worship can degrade into mere ritualism or manipulation—whereas Liṅga-bhakti thrives when Śruti and Śiva-dharma are honored in their true intent.
The takeaway is to protect one’s sādhana through fidelity to revealed guidance: daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and a disciplined, truthful life—so practice remains rooted in dharma rather than confusion or doctrinal distortion.