Shloka 22

Vibhaga 1, Adhyaya 74 — ब्रह्मप्रोक्तलिङ्गार्चनविधिः

Materials, Classes, and Fruits of Linga-Worship

Devanagari script

मृन्मयं क्षणिकं वापि भक्त्या स्थाप्य फलं शुभम् सुरेन्द्राम्भोजगर्भाग्नियमाम्बुपधनेश्वरैः

Transliteration

mṛnmayaṃ kṣaṇikaṃ vāpi bhaktyā sthāpya phalaṃ śubham surendrāmbhojagarbhāgniyamāmbupadhaneśvaraiḥ

Translation

Even if one, with devotion, installs a clay Liṅga—even a temporary one—the auspicious fruit of that act is affirmed by the Lords of the directions: Indra, the Lotus-born (Brahmā), Agni, Yama, Varuṇa, Kubera, and Īśāna.

Word by Word

• मृन्मयम्: made of clay

• क्षणिकम्: momentary/temporary

• वा अपि: even if

• भक्त्या: with devotion

• स्थाप्य: having installed/established

• फलम्: fruit/result

• शुभम्: auspicious

• सुरेन्द्रैः: by Indra (lord of the Devas)

• अम्भोजगर्भ: the Lotus-born Brahmā

• अग्नि: Agni (fire-deity)

• यम: Yama (lord of justice/death)

• अम्बुप: Varuṇa (lord of waters)

• धन-ईश्वर: Kubera (lord of wealth)

• ईश्वरैः: by Īśāna/Īśvara (Shiva as the lord of the quarters) / by the lords (collectively).

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Indra
• Brahma
• Agni
• Yama
• Varuna
• Kubera
• Ishana

FAQs

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

It teaches that sincere bhakti makes even a simple, temporary clay Liṅga installation spiritually potent, yielding auspicious merit recognized by the cosmic guardians (dikpālas).

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

Shiva-tattva is shown as accessible and grace-giving: Pati accepts the devotee’s offering regardless of material permanence, emphasizing inner devotion over external grandeur.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Liṅga-pratiṣṭhā (installation) performed with bhakti—aligned with Pāśupata orientation where disciplined worship and surrender to Pati loosen Pāśa (bondage) upon the Pashu (soul).