Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 119

Adhyaya 72 — Puradāha: Rudra’s Cosmic Chariot, Pāśupata-Vrata, and Brahmā’s Shiva-Stuti

Devanagari script

किं चेत्याह तदा देवान् प्रणेमुस्तं समन्ततः

Transliteration

kiṃ cetyāha tadā devān praṇemustaṃ samantataḥ

Translation

When he said, “What is it?”, then the Devas bowed down to him from all sides, taking refuge in the Lord Pati, the remover of the noose of bondage (pāśa).

Word by Word

• किम् (kim): what?

• चेत् (cet): indeed/then

• आह (āha): said

• तदा (tadā): at that time

• देवान् (devān): the gods

• प्रणेमुः (praṇemuḥ): bowed down/saluted

• तम् (tam): him

• समन्ततः (samantataḥ): from all sides/everywhere

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the Devas’ action within the episode)

Characters & Entities

• Devas

FAQs

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

It shows the Devas adopting śaraṇāgati—humble pranama to the supreme Lord—an inner prerequisite for true Linga-upāsanā beyond mere outer ritual.

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

By the Devas bowing to “him” from all sides, the verse implies the Lord’s supremacy and all-pervasiveness as Pati—the ultimate refuge who can dissolve pāśa (bondage).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Pranāma (prostration) and surrender (śaraṇāgati), foundational disciplines in Shaiva practice that prepare the pashu (soul) for grace and liberation.