Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 6
अन्धकादिदैत्ययुद्धे वीरकविजयः — Vīraka’s Victory over Andhaka’s Forces
ततस्तु संग्रामशिरो विहाय क्षुत्क्षामकंठस्तृषितो गतोऽभूत् । चूर्णीकृते खड्गवरे च खिन्ने पलायमानो गतविस्मयः सः
tatastu saṃgrāmaśiro vihāya kṣutkṣāmakaṃṭhastṛṣito gato'bhūt | cūrṇīkṛte khaḍgavare ca khinne palāyamāno gatavismayaḥ saḥ
于是他舍弃战阵前锋而退去——饥饿使喉咙枯槁，渴欲折磨其身。待其上等宝剑被击碎、力竭神疲之时，他便逃遁而去，骄矜与惊愕尽皆消散。
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Kālāntaka
FAQs
It shows the collapse of ego when one’s supports—strength, weapons, and confidence—are broken; in Shaiva thought, this points to the need for śaraṇāgati (surrender) to Pati (Śiva), rather than reliance on limited power.
The verse illustrates human limitation in conflict; worship of Saguna Śiva (as the compassionate Lord accessible through the Liṅga) is the refuge when worldly might fails, guiding the devotee from agitation to steadiness and devotion.
A practical takeaway is to counter pride and fear with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and contemplative remembrance of Śiva as the inner support, especially when one feels ‘depleted’ like the fleeing warrior.