Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 65

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

Devanagari script

प्रजास्ता वै ततः सर्वाः परस्परभयार्दिताः व्याकुलाश् च परिभ्रान्तास् त्यक्त्वा दारान् गृहाणि च

Transliteration

prajāstā vai tataḥ sarvāḥ parasparabhayārditāḥ vyākulāś ca paribhrāntās tyaktvā dārān gṛhāṇi ca

Translation

Then all those creatures, tormented by fear of one another, grew agitated and wandered in confusion—abandoning even their wives and their homes.

Word by Word

• प्रजाः (prajāḥ): creatures/subjects

• ताः (tāḥ): those

• वै (vai): indeed

• ततः (tataḥ): then/thereupon

• सर्वाः (sarvāḥ): all

• परस्पर-भय-आर्दिताः (paraspara-bhayārditāḥ): afflicted by mutual fear

• व्याकुलाः (vyākulāḥ): distressed/agitated

• च (ca): and

• परिभ्रान्ताः (paribhrāntāḥ): roaming in bewilderment

• त्यक्त्वा (tyaktvā): having abandoned

• दारान् (dārān): wives/spouses

• गृहाणि (gṛhāṇi): homes/households

• च (ca): and

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

FAQs

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

It portrays the condition of prajās (pashus) when dharma collapses—mutual fear and confusion—implying the need to seek refuge in Pati (Shiva), whose Linga is upheld as the stabilizing principle that restores order and fearlessness.

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

By contrast: when beings are driven by paraspara-bhaya (mutual fear), they are under pasha (bondage). Shiva-tattva as Pati is the fear-dispelling ground of stability (abhaya) that reorients the pashu from chaos toward right order and liberation.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

No specific rite is named, but the verse supports the Pashupata emphasis on śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) and inner steadiness—turning from outward panic to disciplined orientation toward Shiva through worship and yogic composure.