Shloka 48

योगान्तरायाः, औपसर्गिकसिद्धयः, परवैराग्येन शैवप्रसादः

Devanagari script

अकारणजगत्सृष्टिस् तथानुग्रह एव च प्रलयश्चाधिकारश् च लोकवृत्तप्रवर्तनम्

Transliteration

akāraṇajagatsṛṣṭis tathānugraha eva ca pralayaścādhikāraś ca lokavṛttapravartanam

Translation

The causeless emanation of the universe, and likewise grace itself; dissolution (pralaya), sovereign authority, and the setting in motion of the world’s order of conduct—these are His functions.

Word by Word

• अकारण (akāraṇa): without an external cause

• जगत् (jagat): the universe

• सृष्टिः (sṛṣṭiḥ): creation/emanation

• तथा (tathā): likewise

• अनुग्रहः (anugrahaḥ): grace/favor (bestowal of liberation)

• एव (eva): indeed

• च (ca): and

• प्रलयः (pralayaḥ): dissolution/withdrawal

• अधिकारः (adhikāraḥ): lordship/sovereign authority/rightful power

• लोक (loka): world

• वृत्त (vṛtta): conduct/order/way of life

• प्रवर्तनम् (pravartanam): initiating/causing to proceed

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the Linga Purana’s doctrine to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It frames Shiva—signified by the Linga—as the supreme Pati who performs cosmic functions: creation without dependence, dissolution, governance, and the bestowal of anugraha; thus Linga-puja is worship of the very source and regulator of dharma and liberation.

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

Shiva-tattva is presented as independent (akāraṇa) and sovereign (adhikāra), the one who both manifests and withdraws the cosmos and, crucially, grants anugraha—grace that releases the pashu (bound soul) from pasha (bondage).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse points to anugraha as central: in Pashupata-oriented practice, disciplined worship and yoga culminate not merely in effort but in Shiva’s grace, which perfects sādhana and leads toward liberation.