Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 53
शुक्रस्य जठरस्थत्वं तथा मृत्युशमनी-विद्या (Śukra in Śiva’s belly and the death-subduing vidyā)
न किंचिदुक्त्वा स हि भूतगोप्ता चिक्षेप वक्त्रे फलवत्कवीन्द्रम् । हाहारवस्तैरसुरैस्समस्तैरुच्चैर्विमुक्तो हहहेति भूरि
na kiṃciduktvā sa hi bhūtagoptā cikṣepa vaktre phalavatkavīndram | hāhāravastairasuraissamastairuccairvimukto hahaheti bhūri
他一言不发，作为众生群类的守护者，竟将那诗人之冠——如熟果一般——径直掷入口中。随即，诸阿修罗惊惶齐呼“哈！哈！”，而洪亮反复的笑声“哈哈嘿”大量迸发。
Sūta Gosvāmī (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Mantra: hahaheti
FAQs
The verse highlights Shiva as Bhūtagoptā—the sovereign protector who subdues demonic pride effortlessly. In Shaiva Siddhānta terms, it points to Pati (Shiva) overpowering pasha-bound arrogance, showing that the Lord’s will alone dissolves fear and ego.
The scene emphasizes Saguna Shiva—Shiva with manifest power acting in the world to protect dharma. Linga worship trains the devotee to see the same supreme Pati behind both tranquil and fierce expressions, cultivating surrender (śaraṇāgati) rather than fascination with mere spectacle.
A practical takeaway is japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) while contemplating Shiva as the inner Protector (Bhūtagoptā). On Mahāśivarātri, combine this with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and steady breath-awareness to dissolve fear and strengthen devotion.