Shloka 24

Shivamurti–Pratishtha Phala: Shivalaya-Nirmana, Kshetra-Mahatmya, Tirtha-Snana, and Mandala-Vidhi

Devanagari script

न तस्य शक्यते वक्तुं पुण्यं शतयुगैरपि जीर्णं वा पतितं वापि खण्डितं स्फुटितं तथा

Transliteration

na tasya śakyate vaktuṃ puṇyaṃ śatayugairapi jīrṇaṃ vā patitaṃ vāpi khaṇḍitaṃ sphuṭitaṃ tathā

Translation

إنَّ الثواب الروحي الناشئ عن عبادة شِيفا-لينغا لا يمكن الإحاطة بوصفه ولو عبر مئة يوجا. وحتى إن كان اللينغا قديماً أو قد سقط أو انكسر أو تشقّق، فإن العبادة المقرونة بالبهكتي تُثمر ثمراً لا يَخيب.

Word by Word

• na: not

• tasya: of that (worship/act/merit)

• śakyate: is possible

• vaktum: to describe/say

• puṇyam: merit, sacred fruit

• śatayugaiḥ api: even by (counting through) a hundred yugas

• jīrṇam: worn/old

• vā: or

• patitam: fallen

• vā api: or even

• khaṇḍitam: broken into pieces/damaged

• sphuṭitam: cracked/split

• tathā: likewise/so too

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It asserts that the puṇya of liṅga-pūjā is immeasurable, and that sincere devotion to Pati (Śiva) remains efficacious even when the liṅga’s material condition is imperfect (old, fallen, broken, or cracked).

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

Śiva-tattva is shown as transcending external limitations: the grace and fruit of worship depend primarily on bhāva (inner intention) and devotion to Pati, not merely on flawless physical form.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It highlights liṅga-pūjā sustained by bhakti and reverence; implicitly it supports the Pāśupata view that inner orientation to Pati is central, while outer defects do not negate the sādhana when performed with right intent.