Chapter 20 of 55 · Rudra Samhita - Parvati Khanda · Overall chapter 115 of 464
The Vadava Fire
Shiva's fire of rage, having destroyed Kama, threatens to destroy the whole universe next. Brahma personally gathers it into the form of a mare's head and persuades the ocean to swallow and contain it permanently - the origin of the submarine Vadava (mare-headed) fire, fed forever afterward by the ocean's own waters.
Narada said
Vidhatri, the blazing fire that came from Hara's eye, where did it go? Tell me that, and tell me of the conduct of the moon-wearer.
Brahma answered
A fire came out of Shambhu's third eye and swiftly reduced Kama to ashes. It blazed everywhere and destroyed everything. There were great lamentations in the three worlds among all things moving and still. Son, all the gods and rishis quickly took refuge with me. Agitated and anxious, they told me everything, bowed, lowered their heads, joined their hands and praised me. Hearing it, I remembered Shiva and the reason for it all, and to save the three worlds I went there humbly. Wishing to burn, the blazing fire was like a garland of lit flames. But by Shambhu's favour I had the energy to calm it. Full of rage, the fire wished to burn down the three worlds. Amiable sage, that blaze had the form of a mare's head. By Shiva's will, I, lord of the universe, gathered up the fire that had the form of a mare's head and, for the welfare of the worlds, went to the ocean. Sage, on seeing me arrive, the ocean joined his hands. The store of jewels took human form and came to me, bowed and praised me properly, and, extremely happy, spoke to me, grandfather of all the worlds.
The ocean said
Brahma, lord of everything, why have you come here? I will gladly carry out your command. Know me as your servant.
Brahma said
Hearing the ocean I was filled with joy, and remembering Shankara, for the welfare of the worlds, I replied.
Brahma said
Wise son, you who give joy to all the worlds, listen. Shiva's will in my heart has sent me. Ocean, I will tell you gladly. This is Mahesha's anger, now shaped like a mare. After burning Kama it was ready to burn up everything. The gods suffered, and by Shankara's will they begged me for help. I went quickly and quieted the pure fire; it took a mare's form, and I have brought it here. You are a store of water and of compassion, and I command you: this anger of Mahesha, in a mare's shape, flames at the mouth. Keep it until the great deluge. Lord of rivers, when I come to live with you, let it go then. It is Shankara's uncommon wrath. Your waters will always be its food. Try to hold it so that it does not sink down inside you.
Brahma said
The ocean did as I said; no one else could have borne Rudra's vadava fire. Taking the shape of a mare, the pure fire entered the sea. It flamed like a garland and, helped by the wind, drank up the great flood. Sage, content, I went back to my own abode. The ocean, divine in form, bowed to me and disappeared. The entire universe was well, free of the dread that had risen. Sage, the gods and sages were happy.
Retold in our own words from Bibek Debroy's English translation of the Shiva Purana (Penguin Classics). Names, numbers and the order of events follow the source.