Shloka 36

Adhyaya 4: अहोरात्र-युग-मन्वन्तर-कल्पमान तथा प्रलयान्ते सृष्ट्युपक्रमः

Devanagari script

चतुर्युगस्य च तथा वर्षसंख्या प्रकीर्तिता चतुर्युगसहस्रं वै कल्पश्चैको द्विजोत्तमाः

Transliteration

caturyugasya ca tathā varṣasaṃkhyā prakīrtitā caturyugasahasraṃ vai kalpaścaiko dvijottamāḥ

Translation

Thus the number of years comprising a Caturyuga has been declared. Know, O best of the twice-born, that a single Kalpa consists of a thousand such Caturyugas—this is the measure of the cosmic cycle in which creation unfolds under the Lord (Pati).

Word by Word

• चतुर्युगस्य: of the fourfold age (Caturyuga)

• च: and

• तथा: likewise/also

• वर्षसंख्या: the count/number of years

• प्रकीर्तिता: has been proclaimed/expounded

• चतुर्युगसहस्रं: a thousand Caturyugas

• वै: indeed

• कल्पः: a Kalpa (aeon/day of Brahmā)

• च: and

• एकः: one/single

• द्विजोत्तमाः: O best of the twice-born (address to a Brahmin/sage)

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Brahma

FAQs

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

It frames Linga worship within vast cosmic time: the Linga signifies the timeless Pati (Shiva) who presides over recurring cycles of creation (srishti) measured as yugas and kalpas.

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

By emphasizing the immensity and regularity of cosmic cycles, it points to Shiva-tattva as the transcendent Lord (Pati) beyond time (kāla), while also immanent as the governor of cosmic order in each kalpa.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

No specific rite is prescribed in this verse; the takeaway is contemplative: Pashupata-oriented practice treats time as part of pasha (bondage) and seeks refuge in Pati through Shiva-dhyana and Linga-upasana.