Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 18

Bhūtavana–Kailāsa–Mandākinī–Rudrapurī: Śiva’s Jeweled Abodes and Perpetual Worship

Devanagari script

पूजितो वै महादेवः प्रमथैः प्रमथेश्वरः सिद्धर्षिदेवगन्धर्वैर् ब्रह्मणा च महात्मना

Transliteration

pūjito vai mahādevaḥ pramathaiḥ pramatheśvaraḥ siddharṣidevagandharvair brahmaṇā ca mahātmanā

Translation

Indeed Mahādeva—Lord of the Pramathas—was duly worshipped by the Pramathas, by the Siddhas, Ṛṣis, Devas, and Gandharvas, and also by the great-souled Brahmā. Thus Pati, ever worthy of adoration, is honored by all orders of beings.

Word by Word

• pūjitaḥ: worshipped, honored

• vai: indeed, verily

• mahādevaḥ: Mahādeva (Great God, Śiva)

• pramathaiḥ: by the Pramathas (Śiva’s gaṇas/attendants)

• pramatheśvaraḥ: Lord of the Pramathas

• siddha: perfected beings

• ṛṣi: seer/sage

• deva: god

• gandharva: celestial musician

• siddharṣi-deva-gandharvaiḥ: by Siddhas, Ṛṣis, Devas, and Gandharvas

• brahmaṇā: by Brahmā

• ca: and

• mahātmanā: by the great-souled (one)

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Brahma
• Pramathas
• Siddhas
• Rishis
• Devas
• Gandharvas

FAQs

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

It establishes Śiva (Mahādeva) as universally worship-worthy—honored by gaṇas, gods, sages, and even Brahmā—supporting the Purāṇic basis for Linga-pūjā as devotion to the supreme Pati.

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

Śiva is portrayed as Pramatheśvara, the sovereign Lord revered across all ontological tiers, indicating His status as Pati beyond Pāśa (bondage) and the ultimate refuge for Pāśu (bound souls).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse foregrounds pūjā—formal worship and honoring of Śiva—aligned with Shaiva practice where devotion (bhakti) and disciplined observance support Pāśupata-oriented liberation by turning the Pāśu toward the Pati.