Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 12

मदनदाहः — पार्वतीतपः, स्वयंवरलीला, देवस्तम्भनं, दिव्यचक्षुर्दानम्

Devanagari script

अनुगृह्य तदा देवीम् उवाच प्रहसन्निव कुलधर्माश्रयं रक्षन् भूधरस्य महात्मनः

Transliteration

anugṛhya tadā devīm uvāca prahasanniva kuladharmāśrayaṃ rakṣan bhūdharasya mahātmanaḥ

Translation

Then, having shown grace to the Goddess, he spoke with a gentle, almost smiling demeanor—upholding the refuge of family-duty (kula-dharma) and safeguarding the great-souled Lord of the Mountain.

Word by Word

• अनुगृह्य: having shown favor/grace

• तदा: then

• देवीम्: to the Goddess

• उवाच: said/spoke

• प्रहसन्निव: as if smiling gently

• कुलधर्म-आश्रयम्: the refuge/foundation of family-duty (kula-dharma)

• रक्षन्: protecting/safeguarding

• भूधरस्य: of the mountain-bearer / mountain-lord

• महात्मनः: of the great-souled one

Speaker

Suta (narrating an internal scene/dialogue)

Characters & Entities

• Devi
• Bhudhara (Mountain Lord)

FAQs

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

It highlights anugraha (divine grace) and dharma-protection as core Shaiva values—Linga worship is not only ritual (puja) but also the sustaining of righteous order under Pati’s guardianship.

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

Shiva-tattva is implied through compassionate sovereignty: the Lord protects beings and dharma while remaining gentle and gracious—anugraha is a defining function of Pati toward the pashu bound by pasha.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse points to the inner principle behind Pashupata discipline: seeking the Lord’s anugraha through dharmic conduct and devotion, which supports liberation rather than mere external observance.