Shloka 15

Vibhaga 1, Adhyaya 74 — ब्रह्मप्रोक्तलिङ्गार्चनविधिः

Materials, Classes, and Fruits of Linga-Worship

Devanagari script

तृतीयं धातुजं लिङ्गम् अष्टधा परमेष्ठिनः तुरीयं दारुजं लिङ्गं तत्तु षोडशधोच्यते

Transliteration

tṛtīyaṃ dhātujaṃ liṅgam aṣṭadhā parameṣṭhinaḥ turīyaṃ dārujaṃ liṅgaṃ tattu ṣoḍaśadhocyate

Translation

Der dritte ist der aus Metall gefertigte Liṅga; für Parameṣṭhin (den Schöpfer) wird er als achtgestaltig gelehrt. Der vierte ist der hölzerne Liṅga; dieser wird wahrlich als sechzehnfach verkündet.

Word by Word

• तृतीयम्: the third

• धातुजम्: made of metal/mineral (dhātu)

• लिङ्गम्: Liṅga, the emblem of Pati (Śiva)

• अष्टधा: eightfold, in eight varieties

• परमेष्ठिनः: of Parameṣṭhin (the supreme ordainer/Creator, commonly Brahmā)

• तुरीयम्: the fourth

• दारुजम्: made of wood

• तत्तु: that indeed

• षोडशधा: sixteenfold, in sixteen varieties

• उच्यते: is said/declared

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Parameshthin (Brahma)

FAQs

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

It establishes an authoritative taxonomy of worship-worthy Liṅgas by material—metal (dhātuja) and wood (dāruja)—and signals that each has sanctioned sub-types (eight and sixteen), guiding proper selection and installation in Śaiva pūjā.

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

By treating the Liṅga as valid across multiple material embodiments, the verse implies Śiva as Pati beyond form, while allowing His presence to be ritually invoked and stabilized for the pashu (individual soul) seeking release from pāśa (bondage).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It points to pūjā-vidhi and pratimā/liṅga-bheda (ritual classification) foundational to Śaiva observance; the regulated choice of Liṅga-support aids steadiness of devotion and concentration aligned with Pāśupata-oriented discipline.