Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 153

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

Devanagari script

क्रमो ऽयं मलपूर्णस्य ज्ञानप्राप्तेर्द्विजोत्तमाः तस्मादनेन मार्गेण त्यक्तसंगो दृढव्रतः

Transliteration

kramo 'yaṃ malapūrṇasya jñānaprāpterdvijottamāḥ tasmādanena mārgeṇa tyaktasaṃgo dṛḍhavrataḥ

Translation

O best of the twice-born, this is the graded method by which a being filled with mala (impurity) attains true knowledge. Therefore, by following this very path—renouncing attachment and remaining firm in vow—one reaches jñāna that leads the bound soul (paśu) toward the Lord (Pati), Śiva.

Word by Word

• kramaḥ: gradual sequence, step-by-step method

• ayam: this

• mala-pūrṇasya: of one filled with impurity (mala)

• jñāna-prāpteḥ: for the attainment of knowledge

• dvija-uttamāḥ: O best of the twice-born (brahmins)

• tasmāt: therefore

• anena: by this

• mārgeṇa: path, method

• tyakta-saṅgaḥ: one who has abandoned attachment/association (clinging)

• dṛḍha-vrataḥ: firm in vow, steadfast in discipline

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva-oriented doctrine within the Linga Purana discourse)

FAQs

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

It frames Linga-centered practice as a disciplined, step-by-step purification: when mala diminishes through steadfast vows and detachment, the devotee becomes fit for Shiva-jñāna, which is the inner purpose of Linga worship.

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

Shiva is implied as Pati—the goal of knowledge—while the soul is paśu bound by mala; liberation comes not by mere ritual alone but by the dawning of jñāna supported by purification and renunciation.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A Pāśupata-flavored discipline: tyakta-saṅga (non-attachment) and dṛḍha-vrata (steady observance) as the yogic supports that make the seeker eligible for liberating knowledge.