Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 50

शिवार्चनविधिः — देवतानां पाशुपतव्रतप्राप्तिः तथा पशुपाशविमोक्षणम् (अध्याय ८०)

Devanagari script

अथ द्वादशवर्षं वा मासद्वादशकं तु वा दिनद्वादशकं वापि कृत्वा तद् व्रतम् उत्तमम्

Transliteration

atha dvādaśavarṣaṃ vā māsadvādaśakaṃ tu vā dinadvādaśakaṃ vāpi kṛtvā tad vratam uttamam

Translation

Then, having undertaken that excellent vow—whether for twelve years, or for twelve months, or even for twelve days—such disciplined observance purifies the paśu (the bound soul) and turns it toward Pati, the Lord, making one fit for the higher fruit of Śiva-worship.

Word by Word

• atha: then/thereupon

• dvādaśa-varṣam: for twelve years

• vā: or

• māsa-dvādaśakam: a set of twelve months (one year)

• tu: indeed

• vā: or

• dina-dvādaśakam: a set of twelve days

• vā api: or even

• kṛtvā: having done/observed

• tat: that

• vratam: vow, sacred observance

• uttamam: excellent, supreme

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the vrata-vidhi to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It establishes approved time-frames (12 days, 12 months, or 12 years) for a Śiva-vrata, showing that disciplined duration itself is a key limb of Liṅga-pūjā and its transforming power.

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

By implying that steadfast observance leads the paśu toward the supreme fruit, it reflects Śiva as Pati—the liberating Lord who receives worship and loosens pāśa (bondage) through regulated sādhana.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Vrata-anuṣṭhāna (vowed discipline) as a Pāśupata-oriented practice: fixed-term observance supporting purity, restraint, and consistent Liṅga-pūjā.