Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 12

Adhyaya 40: Kali-yuga Lakshana, Yuga-sandhyamsha, and the Re-emergence of Dharma

Devanagari script

अक्षत्रियाश् च राजानो विप्राः शूद्रोपजीविनः आसनस्था द्विजान्दृष्ट्वा न चलन्त्यल्पबुद्धयः

Transliteration

akṣatriyāś ca rājāno viprāḥ śūdropajīvinaḥ āsanasthā dvijāndṛṣṭvā na calantyalpabuddhayaḥ

Translation

Even kings who are not true Kṣatriyas, and Brāhmaṇas who live by the livelihood of Śūdras—when seated and seeing the twice-born (dvijas), do not rise; such people are of little understanding. In the Śaiva view, this is a mark of pāśa-bound conduct: failure to honor dharma obstructs the paśu’s purification and readiness for Śiva’s grace (anugraha).

Word by Word

• अक्षत्रियाः: not true Kṣatriyas / unworthy rulers

• च: and

• राजानः: kings

• विप्राः: Brahmins

• शूद्रोपजीविनः: those who subsist by Śūdra-occupations

• आसनस्थाः: seated

• द्विजान्: the twice-born (dvijas)

• दृष्ट्वा: having seen

• न: not

• चलन्ति: move/rise (from the seat)

• अल्पबुद्धयः: small-minded, of little discernment

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Dvija

FAQs

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

It frames outer conduct (sadācāra) as a prerequisite for inner purity; disrespect and arrogance are pasha-like impurities that weaken adhikāra (fitness) for Shiva-puja and the reception of Mahadeva’s grace.

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

Indirectly: Shiva as Pati is approached through dharma and humility; when the pashu remains bound by ego and disrespect, Shiva’s anugraha is not readily reflected in the heart, delaying spiritual maturation.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

No specific ritual is prescribed; the practice emphasized is disciplined etiquette and humility—supporting Pashupata-style sadhana where self-restraint and reverence purify the aspirant for mantra, puja, and meditation.