Shloka 14

Vibhaga 1, Adhyaya 74 — ब्रह्मप्रोक्तलिङ्गार्चनविधिः

Materials, Classes, and Fruits of Linga-Worship

Devanagari script

शैलजं प्रथमं प्रोक्तं तद्धि साक्षाच्चतुर्विधम् द्वितीयं रत्नजं तच्च सप्तधा मुनिसत्तमाः

Transliteration

śailajaṃ prathamaṃ proktaṃ taddhi sākṣāccaturvidham dvitīyaṃ ratnajaṃ tacca saptadhā munisattamāḥ

Translation

First, the mountain-born (stone) Liṅga is declared; indeed it is directly of four kinds. Second is the gem-born Liṅga, and that, O best of sages, is of seven kinds.

Word by Word

• śailajam: stone/mountain-born (Liṅga)

• prathamam: first

• proktam: is declared/taught

• tat: that

• hi: indeed

• sākṣāt: directly/explicitly

• caturvidham: fourfold/of four kinds

• dvitīyam: second

• ratnajam: gem-born (made of jewels)

• ca: and

• tat: that

• saptadhā: sevenfold/in seven ways

• munisattamāḥ: O best of sages

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It establishes an authoritative taxonomy of worship-worthy Liṅgas—stone and gem—so devotees can choose proper materials and forms for Liṅga-pratiṣṭhā and daily pūjā.

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

By allowing multiple material embodiments (stone/gem with defined subtypes), the verse implies Shiva as Pati (the Lord) is not limited by matter; the Liṅga is a sanctioned support for realizing the formless Śiva-tattva through form.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Liṅga-upāsanā is foregrounded—selecting a proper Liṅga for installation and worship—serving as a concrete aid for Pāśupata-oriented sādhana that purifies the paśu (soul) and loosens pāśa (bondage) through disciplined pūjā.