Shloka 55

Shivamurti–Pratishtha Phala: Shivalaya-Nirmana, Kshetra-Mahatmya, Tirtha-Snana, and Mandala-Vidhi

Devanagari script

अश्वमेधफलं प्राप्य रुद्रलोकं स गच्छति मध्याह्ने शिवतीर्थेषु स्नात्वा भक्त्या सकृन्नरः

Transliteration

aśvamedhaphalaṃ prāpya rudralokaṃ sa gacchati madhyāhne śivatīrtheṣu snātvā bhaktyā sakṛnnaraḥ

Translation

A man who, with devotion, bathes even once at midday in Śiva’s sacred tīrthas attains the merit of the Aśvamedha sacrifice and thereafter goes to Rudra’s world.

Word by Word

• अश्वमेधफलम्: the fruit/merit of the Aśvamedha sacrifice

• प्राप्य: having obtained

• रुद्रलोकम्: the world/realm of Rudra (Shiva)

• सः: he

• गच्छति: goes

• मध्याह्ने: at midday

• शिवतीर्थेषु: in Shiva’s sacred tīrthas (holy bathing places)

• स्नात्वा: having bathed

• भक्त्या: with devotion

• सकृत्: once, a single time

• नरः: a man/person

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Rudra

FAQs

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

It elevates Shiva-centered tīrtha-bathing performed with bhakti as a direct Shaiva observance whose merit equals major Vedic sacrifice, emphasizing accessible devotion over costly ritual.

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

Shiva is implied as Pati—the Lord who grants the highest gati (destiny): entry into Rudraloka—showing that His grace responds to sincere devotion and purifies the pashu from pasha.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A simple but potent practice is taught: madhyāhna-snāna (midday bathing) at Shiva tīrthas with devotion—an outer rite supporting inner purification aligned with Shaiva discipline.