Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 91

ध्यानयोगेन रुद्रदर्शनम् — रुद्रावतार-परिवर्तक्रमः, लकुली (कायावतार), पाशुपतयोगः, लिङ्गार्चन-निष्ठा

Devanagari script

व्यासस्तु भविता नाम्ना भरद्वाजो महामुनिः तदाप्यहं भविष्यामि जटामाली च नामतः

Transliteration

vyāsastu bhavitā nāmnā bharadvājo mahāmuniḥ tadāpyahaṃ bhaviṣyāmi jaṭāmālī ca nāmataḥ

Translation

Then a great sage will arise bearing the name Bharadvāja, and he will be known as Vyāsa. Even at that time, I too shall manifest—renowned by the name Jaṭāmālī.

Word by Word

• vyāsaḥ: Vyāsa (the compiler/divider of the Veda)

• tu: indeed

• bhavitā: will become/will arise

• nāmnā: by name

• bharadvājaḥ: Bharadvāja

• mahāmuniḥ: great sage

• tadā: then

• api: also/even

• aham: I

• bhaviṣyāmi: shall become/shall manifest

• jaṭāmālī: Jaṭāmālī (one with a garland/mass of matted locks)

• ca: and

• nāmataḥ: by name/known as

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating an internal prophetic statement within the Purana’s lineage account)

Characters & Entities

• Vyasa
• Bharadvaja
• Jatamali

FAQs

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

It anchors Linga-worship teachings in an authenticated transmission line: the Purana’s Shaiva knowledge is preserved through named rishis, ensuring the continuity of Shiva-bhakti and Linga-vidhi across ages.

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

By implying recurring manifestations of teachers, it reflects Shiva as Pati—the guiding Lord who sustains dharma and liberating knowledge through empowered sages, helping the pashu (soul) loosen pasha (bondage).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

No single rite is specified; the emphasis is on paramparā (initiatory transmission), a key Shaiva principle through which Pashupata-oriented practice and Linga-puja instructions are safeguarded and taught.