Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 35

मदनदाहः — पार्वतीतपः, स्वयंवरलीला, देवस्तम्भनं, दिव्यचक्षुर्दानम्

Devanagari script

रुद्राश् च शूलमादित्या मुशलं वसवस् तथा मुद्गरं स्तम्भिताः सर्वे देवेनाशु दिवौकसः

Transliteration

rudrāś ca śūlamādityā muśalaṃ vasavas tathā mudgaraṃ stambhitāḥ sarve devenāśu divaukasaḥ

Translation

The Rudras raised their tridents; the Ādityas took up clubs; and the Vasus likewise lifted mallets—yet all those dwellers of heaven were swiftly checked and immobilized by that Deva (the Supreme Lord), revealing Him as Pati who alone subdues every power.

Word by Word

• रुद्राः: the Rudras

• च: and

• शूलम्: trident

• आदित्याः: the Adityas

• मुशलम्: club/pestle-like weapon

• वसवः: the Vasus

• तथा: likewise

• मुद्गरम्: hammer/mallet

• स्तम्भिताः: restrained, made motionless, paralyzed

• सर्वे: all

• देवेन: by the Deva (the Lord)

• आशु: swiftly

• दिवौकसः: the dwellers of heaven, gods

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the episode within the Purva-Bhaga narrative)

Characters & Entities

• Rudras
• Adityas
• Vasus
• Shiva

FAQs

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

It establishes that even the highest devas and their weapons are powerless without Pati (Shiva); Linga worship centers on surrender to the Supreme who alone grants śakti, protection, and liberation.

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

Shiva-tattva is shown as sovereign and independent (svatantra): the Lord can instantly restrain all delegated cosmic powers, indicating that all devatā-śaktis function under His command.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The takeaway aligns with Pāśupata discipline: restraining (stambhana/nirodha) of external force and egoic power, cultivating humility and dependence on Pati through mantra, worship, and inner control.