Shiva Purana — Satarudra Samhita, Shloka 11
पिप्पलादावतारकथनम्
Account of the Pippalāda Avatāra
नन्दीश्वर उवाच । एकदा निर्जरास्सर्वे वासवाद्या मुनीश्वर । वृत्रासुरसहायैश्च दैत्यैरासन्पराजिताः
nandīśvara uvāca | ekadā nirjarāssarve vāsavādyā munīśvara | vṛtrāsurasahāyaiśca daityairāsanparājitāḥ
难提湿伐罗说道：噢，诸牟尼中最胜者，曾有一次，诸天由婆娑婆（因陀罗）率领，被在弗利特罗阿修罗助势下的代底耶众击败。
Nandishvara (Nandi)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Significance: The devas’ defeat functions as a theological cue: even luminous beings remain paśu (bound) when divine power is ‘concealed’ (tirodhāna) and when they rely on their own might rather than Śiva’s refuge.
FAQs
It shows that even the devas can be overcome when power is relied upon without higher refuge; the narrative sets the stage for turning toward Shiva (Pati) as the supreme protector and source of victory and inner steadiness.
The devas’ defeat becomes the impetus to seek Saguna Shiva’s grace through worship; in Shiva Purana storytelling this typically culminates in approaching Shiva (often through Linga-upasana) as the accessible, compassionate form who restores dharma.
In adversity, take refuge in Shiva through japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), along with simple Shaiva marks like Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and devotion-filled remembrance, aligning the mind with Shiva’s protecting presence.