Shloka 2

Vibhaga 1, Adhyaya 74 — ब्रह्मप्रोक्तलिङ्गार्चनविधिः

Materials, Classes, and Fruits of Linga-Worship

Devanagari script

इन्द्रनीलमयं लिङ्गं विष्णुना पूजितं सदा पद्मरागमयं शक्रो हैमं विश्रवसः सुतः

Transliteration

indranīlamayaṃ liṅgaṃ viṣṇunā pūjitaṃ sadā padmarāgamayaṃ śakro haimaṃ viśravasaḥ sutaḥ

Translation

A Liṅga made of indranīla (blue sapphire) is ever worshipped by Viṣṇu; Śakra (Indra) worships one made of padmarāga (ruby); and the son of Viśravas worships a golden Liṅga—thus each venerates Śiva, the Pati, through the sacred emblem that releases the paśu from the pāśa.

Word by Word

• इन्द्रनीलमयम्: made of blue sapphire (indranīla)

• लिङ्गम्: Liṅga, the emblem of Śiva

• विष्णुना: by Viṣṇu

• पूजितम्: worshipped

• सदा: always

• पद्मरागमयम्: made of ruby (padmarāga)

• शक्रः: Śakra/Indra

• हैमम्: made of gold

• विश्रवसः सुतः: the son of Viśravas (Rāvaṇa/Kubera depending on context)

• (पूजयति/आचरति): worships/observes (implied).

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Vishnu
• Indra (Shakra)
• Viśravas
• Son of Viśravas

FAQs

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

It shows that even the highest devas—Viṣṇu and Indra—approach Śiva through specific consecrated Liṅgas (gemstone and gold), emphasizing liṅga-pūjā as an authoritative, pan-deva mode of worship in the Linga Purana.

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

By portraying all powers as worshippers, it implies Śiva as Pati (the supreme Lord) whose liṅga is a valid locus of presence and grace—capable of freeing the paśu (individual soul) from pāśa (bondage).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Ratna-liṅga and haima-liṅga pūjā (worship of gemstone/golden liṅgas) is highlighted—an applied form of Śaiva upāsanā that supports Pāśupata-oriented purification through devotion, offering, and steady remembrance.