Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 52

Upamanyu’s Tapas, Shiva’s Indra-Form Test, and the Bestowal of Kshiroda and Gaṇapatya

Devanagari script

फलार्णवं च बालस्य भक्ष्यभोज्यार्णवं तथा अपूपगिरयश्चैव तथातिष्ठन् समन्ततः

Transliteration

phalārṇavaṃ ca bālasya bhakṣyabhojyārṇavaṃ tathā apūpagirayaścaiva tathātiṣṭhan samantataḥ

Translation

For that divine Child, there appeared an ocean of fruits, an ocean of foods fit to be eaten and savoured, and mountains of sweet cakes (apūpa); thus they stood all around on every side as abundant offerings—signs of Śiva’s grace that loosens the Pāśas and nourishes the bound soul (Paśu) on the path to the Pati.

Word by Word

• फलार्णवम्: an ocean of fruits

• च: and

• बालस्य: for the child (the divine boy)

• भक्ष्यभोज्यार्णवम्: an ocean of edible and enjoyable foods

• तथा: likewise/also

• अपूपगिरयः: mountains of apūpa (sweet cakes)

• च एव: and indeed

• तथा: thus

• अतिष्ठन्/तिष्ठन्: stood/appeared and remained

• समन्ततः: on all sides, all around

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It portrays overflowing naivedya-like abundance (fruits, foods, sweet cakes) as an outward sign of Śiva’s anugraha—devotional offerings around the sacred presence, affirming that worship of the Pati sustains and uplifts the Paśu.

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

Śiva-tattva is implied as the gracious source of plenitude: He is the Pati whose presence manifests auspicious supports in the world, easing bondage (Pāśa) and guiding the soul toward freedom through divine favour.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse highlights puja-upacāra through offerings (naivedya)—the devotional discipline that, aligned with Pāśupata intent, purifies the Paśu and turns attention from sense-bondage toward Śiva as the liberating Pati.