Shloka 26

शिवार्चनविधिः — देवतानां पाशुपतव्रतप्राप्तिः तथा पशुपाशविमोक्षणम् (अध्याय ८०)

Devanagari script

प्राकारैर्विविधाकारैर् अष्टाविंशतिभिर् वृतम् उपद्वारैर्महाद्वारैर् विदिक्षु विविधैर्दृढैः

Transliteration

prākārairvividhākārair aṣṭāviṃśatibhir vṛtam upadvārairmahādvārair vidikṣu vividhairdṛḍhaiḥ

Translation

It was encircled by twenty-eight ramparts of varied design, and furnished with subsidiary gates and great gates set in the intermediate directions—diverse in form and firmly built.

Word by Word

• प्राकारैः: by ramparts/fortification-walls

• विविधाकारैः: of various shapes/designs

• अष्टाविंशतिभिः: by twenty-eight

• वृतम्: enclosed/surrounded

• उपद्वारैः: with subsidiary gates

• महाद्वारैः: with great/main gates

• विदिक्षु: in the intermediate directions (NE, SE, SW, NW)

• विविधैः: various/diverse

• दृढैः: strong/solid/firm

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

By detailing the fortified, multi-gated sacred complex, the verse frames Linga worship as entry into a consecrated space where the devotee moves from outer boundaries toward the presence of Pati (Shiva) at the center.

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

Indirectly, it presents Shiva-tattva as the stable, protected center of the kshetra—approached through ordered directions and thresholds—signifying that the Pashu (soul) attains nearness to Pati through disciplined approach and right orientation.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It implies kshetra-parikrama (circumambulation) and regulated entry through prescribed gateways—an outer discipline that mirrors Pashupata restraint, gradually crossing boundaries of pasha (bondage) toward inner worship.