Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 7
शिवदूतेन युद्धनिश्चयः तथा देवदानवयुद्धारम्भः (Śiva’s Envoy and the Commencement of the Deva–Dānava War)
स्वयं महेन्द्रो युयुधे सार्धं च वृषपर्वणा । भास्करो युयुधे विप्रचित्तिना सह धर्मतः
svayaṃ mahendro yuyudhe sārdhaṃ ca vṛṣaparvaṇā | bhāskaro yuyudhe vipracittinā saha dharmataḥ
摩诃因陀罗（因陀罗）亲自与弗利沙帕尔梵并肩交战；而婆斯迦罗（太阳神）与毗钵罗质底对阵——各自皆依正法之战的规矩而战。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
Even amid cosmic conflict, the verse highlights dharma (right order and restraint). In a Shaiva reading, this underscores that true strength is governed by righteous conduct under the higher sovereignty of Pati (Lord Shiva), who ultimately upholds cosmic balance.
While the verse is narrative (battle pairing of deities and asuras), it indirectly supports Saguna Shiva devotion by portraying the universe as operating under moral law and divine governance—principles embodied in Shiva’s role as the regulator of dharma and the restorer of equilibrium.
The practical takeaway is cultivating dhārmic discipline: before japa of the Panchākṣarī ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya"), take a vow of right conduct (yama-like restraint). If one follows Shiva Purana practice, apply Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and perform japa with the intention of self-control and inner order.