Shloka 29

Adhyaya 71: पुरत्रयवृत्तान्तः—ब्रह्मवरदानम्, मयकृतत्रिपुर-निर्माणम्, विष्णुमाया-धर्मविघ्नः, शिवस्तुति, त्रिपुरदाहोपक्रमः

Devanagari script

वापीकूपतडागैश् च दीर्घिकाभिस्तु सर्वतः मत्तमातङ्गयूथैश् च तुरङ्गैश् च सुशोभनैः

Transliteration

vāpīkūpataḍāgaiś ca dīrghikābhistu sarvataḥ mattamātaṅgayūthaiś ca turaṅgaiś ca suśobhanaiḥ

Translation

It was adorned on every side with stepwells, wells, ponds, and long reservoirs, and also with herds of rutting elephants and splendid horses—signs of a thriving, dharma-protected realm that supports worship and sacred observance for the paśu (bound soul) seeking refuge in the Lord (Pati).

Word by Word

• वापी: stepwell/tank

• कूप: well

• तडागैः: with ponds

• च: and

• दीर्घिकाभिः: with long reservoirs/lakes

• तु: indeed

• सर्वतः: on all sides/everywhere

• मत्त: intoxicated/in rut

• मातङ्ग: elephant

• यूथैः: with herds

• च: and

• तुरङ्गैः: with horses

• च: and

• सुशोभनैः: with very splendid/beautiful (ones)

Speaker

Suta Goswami

FAQs

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

It depicts the outer supports of Shiva-bhakti—waterworks and prosperity—needed for snāna, abhiṣeka, and daily pūjā, showing how a well-ordered kṣetra enables sustained Linga worship.

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

Indirectly: Shiva as Pati is implied as the unseen ground of order and auspiciousness—where dharma prevails, resources and beauty arise, creating conditions for the paśu to turn from bondage (pāśa) toward worship and liberation.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Ritual purity and temple practice are implied—availability of wells and tanks supports snāna, tīrtha-sevā, and Linga abhiṣeka; yogically, it points to preparing conducive external conditions for disciplined sādhana.