Shloka 191

देवैर्विष्णोः शरणागमनम्—शिवलिङ्गस्थापनं, शिवसहस्रनामस्तवः, सुदर्शनचक्रप्रदानं च

Devanagari script

अश्वमेधसहस्रेण फलं भवति तस्य वै घृताद्यैः स्नापयेद्रुद्रं स्थाल्या वै कलशैः शुभैः

Transliteration

aśvamedhasahasreṇa phalaṃ bhavati tasya vai ghṛtādyaiḥ snāpayedrudraṃ sthālyā vai kalaśaiḥ śubhaiḥ

Translation

Indeed, the fruit of this rite becomes equal to that of a thousand Aśvamedha sacrifices: one should perform abhiṣeka for Rudra, bathing Him with ghee and similar sacred substances, using auspicious pots and pitchers.

Word by Word

• अश्वमेधसहस्रेण: by (the merit of) a thousand Aśvamedhas

• फलं: fruit, spiritual result

• भवति: becomes, arises

• तस्य वै: of that indeed (rite/act)

• घृताद्यैः: with ghee and other (offerings)

• स्नापयेत्: should bathe/anoint (perform abhiṣeka)

• रुद्रं: Rudra (Śiva as Pati)

• स्थाल्या: with a pot/vessel (wide-mouthed container)

• वै: indeed

• कलशैः: with pitchers/ritual pots

• शुभैः: auspicious, sanctified

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Rudra
• Shiva

FAQs

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

It elevates Rudra-abhisheka as a supreme Shaiva act, stating its phala rivals a thousand Aśvamedhas, thereby prioritizing direct worship of Pati (Śiva) through sanctified anointing.

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

By identifying Rudra as the direct recipient of the highest sacrificial merit, the verse implies Śiva as Pati—the supreme Lord who grants the fruition of karma and loosens pasha (bondage) for the pashu (individual soul).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Ritual practice: Rudra/Liṅga abhiṣeka using ghṛta and other dravyas poured from auspicious kalaśas; it functions as a purificatory upāya aligned with Shaiva puja-vidhi (supportive to Pāśupata discipline through devotion and consecrated action).