Shloka 24
Śumbha–Niśumbha’s Mobilization After Devī’s Victories
Battle Muster and Omens
जडो भवेत्स्फीतमतिर्महामतिर्जडो नृशंसो बहुमन्तु संस्तुतः । पराजयं याति रणे महाबला जयंति संग्राममुखे च दुर्बलाः
jaḍo bhavetsphītamatirmahāmatirjaḍo nṛśaṃso bahumantu saṃstutaḥ | parājayaṃ yāti raṇe mahābalā jayaṃti saṃgrāmamukhe ca durbalāḥ
愚钝之人也许显得才思丰盛，被称颂为“至慧”；残酷麻木之人亦可能受众人敬奉。然而在战场上，看似强大者反遭败北，看似弱小者却能在交锋最前线得胜。
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva Purana teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya, within the Umāsaṃhitā discourse)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It teaches viveka (discernment): worldly reputation, intellect, and power can be deceptive, so a seeker should rely on inner purity, steadiness, and dharma rather than appearances—an attitude supportive of Shaiva pursuit of liberation under Pati (Shiva).
Linga-worship trains the devotee to see beyond outer forms and social labels; this verse similarly warns that external signs (praise, status, apparent strength) are unreliable, while devotion, discipline, and Shiva’s grace can overturn outcomes.
Practice steady japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with humility, and cultivate daily self-examination (viveka) so that one’s strength becomes inner—rooted in dharma rather than ego or public acclaim.