Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 117

ध्यानयज्ञः, संसार-विष-निरूपणम्, पाशुपतयोगः, परा-अपरा विद्या, चतुर्वस्था-विचारः (अध्यायः ८६)

Devanagari script

ज्ञानात्परतरं नास्ति सर्वपापविनाशनम् अभ्यसेच्च सदा ज्ञानं सर्वसंगविवर्जितः

Transliteration

jñānātparataraṃ nāsti sarvapāpavināśanam abhyasecca sadā jñānaṃ sarvasaṃgavivarjitaḥ

Translation

Nothing is higher than liberating Knowledge; it destroys all sins. Therefore, free from every attachment, one should constantly cultivate this Knowledge—so that the paśu (bound soul) is released from pāśa (bondage) and turns toward Pati (Śiva).

Word by Word

• jñānāt: than Knowledge (spiritual gnosis)

• parataram: higher/superior

• nāsti: there is not

• sarva: all

• pāpa: sins/impurities

• vināśanam: destruction/removal

• abhyaset: should practice/cultivate

• ca: and/indeed

• sadā: always

• jñānam: Knowledge (ātma-Śiva-tattva-jñāna)

• sarva: all

• saṅga: attachment/association/clinging

• vivarjitaḥ: devoid of/renounced

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the teaching within the Linga Purana’s Shaiva instruction stream)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It teaches that outer Linga-puja becomes spiritually complete when supported by jñāna and vairāgya—inner worship that cuts attachment and purifies the devotee, making the soul fit for Śiva-realization.

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

By presenting jñāna as the highest purifier, it points to Śiva as Pati—the supreme liberator—known through direct spiritual insight that dissolves pāpa and the bonds (pāśa) obscuring the soul.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A jñāna-centered sādhanā with sarva-saṅga-tyāga (renunciation of attachments), aligned with Pāśupata Yoga’s emphasis on inner purification and steady contemplation on Śiva-tattva.