Chapter 31 of 59 · Rudra Samhita - Yuddha Khanda · Overall chapter 201 of 464
Shiva's Advice
Shiva reveals he himself engineered Sudama's curse through maya, as a lesson he intended all along to lift at the right moment; Krishna and Radha arrive in person to apologise and are reassured, and Shiva then directs the gods to his own emanation Rudra on Kailasa, declaring no difference exists between himself and that form.
Sanatkumara said
Shambhu smiled at the downcast Hari and Brahma and answered them in a deep, thunderous voice.
Shiva said
Hari, Brahma, my children, drop your fear. Good will come of Shankhachuda's birth, for I know the whole truth about him. There was a cowherd devoted to Krishna, named Sudama. By my order Hrishikesha took the form of Krishna and lives in Goloka's lovely pasture, which I made. Long ago he became deluded and thought himself independent, and in that shameless confusion he played at many pleasures. Seeing how deep their delusion ran, I wanted to bring sense back to them and used my own maya to curse them. Once the play was over I drew the maya in. They recovered knowledge and sense, were freed of the delusion, and came to me ashamed and downcast. They bowed, joined their palms, praised me humbly, confessed everything and wept before me, begging to be saved. I was pleased and said: Krishna, give up your fear; obey my commands and I will always protect you. All this happened by my will, and at the proper time I will release you from the curse. At this Krishna and Radha accepted my word and went back to their abode rejoicing. They gave up fear, devoted to my worship, and understood that all is under my control and that none is independent. Through Radha's curse Sudama became the danava lord Shankhachuda. He keeps dharma in his reckoning yet hates the gods, and by his strength he torments them constantly. My maya deludes him, and wicked ministers attend him. Put your fear aside: I myself will punish him.
Sanatkumara said
As Shiva was speaking in front of Hari and Brahma, something further occurred, sage. Krishna arrived with Radha, his retinue and honest cowherds, hoping to win Shambhu's goodwill. He bowed to the lord with devotion, embraced Hari, was greeted by Brahma, and waited for Shiva's word. He bowed once more and praised Shambhu with folded hands. Having learned Shiva's tattva, Krishna was free of delusion.
Shri Krishna said
Mahadeva, lord of gods, supreme brahman and refuge of the good, be gracious and forgive my offences. Sharva, all arises from you and rests in you. Maheshvara, you are the whole, within everything and sovereign over it. You are the supreme light, present in all, everlasting. With you as protector, Gouri's lord, we are all safe. I thought myself above everyone, was deluded and played, and have reaped the result: my own person has been cursed. A cowherd named Sudama, the first of my companions, has been born a danava through Radha's curse. Durga's lord, rescue us from that curse. We have taken shelter in you.
Sanatkumara said
Krishna and Radha ended their plea. Shiva, who protects those who come to him, was moved.
Shri Shiva said
Krishna, lord of the gopis, give up fear and be glad. This all happened by my grace, and you will be well. Return to your own fine place and keep to your proper station with care. Knowing I am beyond the greatest, play as you wish. With Radha and your companions pursue your own work free of worry. In the great Varaha kalpa you and young Radha will be released from the curse and return home. You love your companion Sudama above all, Krishna, but born as a danava he is tormenting the whole universe. Indra and the gods are driven out and always harassed, stripped of their rights and scattered across the ten directions. That is why Brahma and Achyuta have taken refuge in me, and I will surely end their distress.
Sanatkumara said
After this word to Krishna, Shankara turned with tenderness to Hari and Brahma and spoke to ease their sorrow.
Shiva said
Listen, both of you. To bring the gods joy and rid them of fear, hurry to Rudra on Kailasa. That is my own full and excellent form, assumed as a separate person for the gods' sake, so the lord truly carries my entire being. Hara abides on Kailasa and is won over by his devotees. Between him and me there is no distinction, and you, the gods and every creature, moving or still, should serve him always. Whoever sees a split between us falls into hell, suffers in this life and is left without sons or grandsons.
Sanatkumara said
At these words Krishna, with Radha and his companions, bowed again and again and went home. Hari and Brahma, relieved of their fear, also bowed to Isha and returned swiftly to Vaikuntha. There they told the gods everything and then, gathering them, set out for Kailasa. On the mountain they found Mahesha, beloved of Parvati, who had taken a form with attributes to shelter the afflicted. As they had done before, they praised him with devotion, voices thick, hands joined and shoulders bowed in humility.
The devas said
Mahadeva, lord of gods, husband of Girija, Shankara, we have come to you for shelter. Protect the gods, who are gripped by fear, and kill Shankhachuda, the danava chief who has slain gods. He crippled them and beat them in battle; robbed of their rights, they wander a lower region like mortals, too afraid to look upon the gods' world. Ocean of compassion, save the distressed. Kill the danava king and free Shakra from fear.
Sanatkumara said
Shambhu, who favours his devotees, heard them, laughed, and spoke in a rolling voice.
Shri Shankara said
Hari, Brahma, gods: return to your homes. I will certainly kill Shankhachuda and his followers.
Sanatkumara said
These words were nectar to them. Glad, and sure the danava was already finished, they dispersed: Hari to Vaikuntha, Brahma to Satyaloka, the other gods each to their own place after bowing to Mahesha.
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.