Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 102

अविमुक्तक्षेत्रमाहात्म्य — काशी-वाराणसी में मोक्ष, लिङ्ग-तीर्थ-मानचित्र, और उपासना-विधि

Devanagari script

ततो महालयात् तस्मात् केदारान्मध्यमादपि स्मृतं पुण्यतमं क्षेत्रम् अविमुक्तं वरानने

Transliteration

tato mahālayāt tasmāt kedārānmadhyamādapi smṛtaṃ puṇyatamaṃ kṣetram avimuktaṃ varānane

Translation

Then, beyond that Mahālaya, and even beyond Kedāra and the middling sacred seats, there is remembered the most supremely meritorious holy field—Avimukta (Kāśī), O fair-faced one—where the Lord (Pati) never abandons the paśu (the bound soul) and grants release from the pāśa (bondage).

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then/thereafter

• mahālayāt: from Mahālaya (a great sacred abode)

• tasmāt: from that/than that

• kedārāt: from Kedāra (Kedārnātha)

• madhyamāt api: even from the middle (rank/region) also

• smṛtam: is remembered/declared

• puṇyatamam: most holy, most meritorious

• kṣetram: sacred field/pilgrimage domain

• avimuktam: Avimukta (the ‘never-abandoned’ kshetra, Kāśī)

• varānane: O beautiful-faced lady (address to Pārvatī/Devī).

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating a Shaiva kshetra-mahatmya dialogue, addressed as 'varānane' to Devī/Pārvatī)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Parvati

FAQs

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

It ranks Avimukta (Kāśī) as the most meritorious kṣetra, implying that worship of Śiva (especially in liṅga-form) there is exceptionally potent for cutting pāśa (bondage) and turning merit toward mokṣa.

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

By naming Kāśī as Avimukta—‘never abandoned’—the verse points to Śiva as Pati who remains present for the paśu, sustaining grace (anugraha) and guiding the soul beyond limitation.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse highlights kṣetra-sevā—pilgrimage with Śiva-pūjā and japa in Avimukta—as a practical support for Pāśupata-oriented renunciation and liberation-focused worship.