Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 14

सूर्यरथनिर्णयः (चन्द्रस्य पक्षवृद्धिक्षयविधानम्)

Devanagari script

ततः पञ्चदशे भागे किंचिच्छिष्टे कलात्मके अपराह्णे पितृगणा जघन्यं पर्युपासते

Transliteration

tataḥ pañcadaśe bhāge kiṃcicchiṣṭe kalātmake aparāhṇe pitṛgaṇā jaghanyaṃ paryupāsate

Translation

Then, when the fifteenth portion of the day—made of subtle divisions of time (kalā)—has a little remainder in the aparāhṇa (late afternoon), the hosts of the Pitṛs attend upon what is lowest and residual, awaiting offerings made at that time.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then

• pañcadaśe bhāge: in the fifteenth portion (division)

• kiṃcit-śiṣṭe: when a little remains

• kalā-ātmake: consisting of kalās (minute time-units)

• aparāhṇe: in the late afternoon

• pitṛ-gaṇāḥ: the groups/hosts of ancestors

• jaghanyam: the lowest, last, residual portion

• paryupāsate: they sit near/attend upon, wait upon

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Pitrs (Ancestors)

FAQs

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

It fixes the ritual timing (aparāhṇa) when Pitṛ-related rites are effective, helping a Shaiva householder harmonize Śiva-pūjā with dharma—honoring Pitṛs while maintaining purity and order in daily worship.

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

Indirectly, it presents Śiva-tattva as the Lord of kāla (time): when rites are aligned with the proper divisions of time, the pashu (individual soul) reduces pasha (bondage) through disciplined observance under Pati’s cosmic order.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Ritual discipline in Pitṛ-tarpaṇa/śrāddha timing is highlighted—performing offerings in aparāhṇa, when the Pitṛs are said to be near and receptive to the rite’s subtle efficacy.