Shloka 20

Adhyaya 87 — Saṃsāra-viṣa-kathana: Ājñā-śakti, Māyā-bandha, and Mokṣa by Prasāda

Devanagari script

विग्रहं देवदेवस्य तथाण्डावरणाष्टकम् सप्तद्वीपेषु सर्वेषु पर्वतेषु वनेषु च

Transliteration

vigrahaṃ devadevasya tathāṇḍāvaraṇāṣṭakam saptadvīpeṣu sarveṣu parvateṣu vaneṣu ca

Translation

Die heilige Gestalt des Gottes der Götter (Devadeva) und ebenso die achtfachen Umhüllungen des kosmischen Eies (aṇḍāvaraṇa) sind auf allen sieben Kontinenten zu betrachten und zu verehren—auf Bergen und in Wäldern ebenso.

Word by Word

• विग्रहम्: embodied form/iconic manifestation

• देवदेवस्य: of the God of gods (Śiva)

• तथा: and also/likewise

• अण्डावरणाष्टकम्: the eight enclosures (coverings) of the cosmic egg (aṇḍa)

• सप्तद्वीपेषु: in the seven continents

• सर्वेषु: in all

• पर्वतेषु: on mountains

• वनेषु: in forests

• च: and

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the Linga Purana to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It universalizes Shiva-upasana: the Devadeva’s form (vigraha) is not confined to a single shrine, but is to be revered everywhere—across the seven dvipas, mountains, and forests—affirming the all-pervasive presence of Pati.

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

By linking Shiva’s worship with the aṇḍa (cosmic egg) and its eight coverings, the verse points to Shiva-tattva as both transcendent (beyond the coverings) and immanent (present throughout all regions), the Lord (Pati) who pervades creation while remaining its ground.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It highlights dhyāna and sarvatra-pūjā (worship in all places): contemplative recognition of Shiva’s vigraha and the cosmic structure, aligning the pashu (soul) away from pasha (bondage) toward Pati through continuous remembrance and reverence.