Shloka 52
Dāruvana-parīkṣā: Śaṅkara’s Test and the Linga’s Ritual-Theological Grounding
लोकानां स्थापिते लिंगे कल्याणं चाभवत्तदा । प्रसिद्धं चैव तल्लिंगं त्रिलोक्यामभवद्द्विजाः
lokānāṃ sthāpite liṃge kalyāṇaṃ cābhavattadā | prasiddhaṃ caiva talliṃgaṃ trilokyāmabhavaddvijāḥ
When that Liṅga was established for the welfare of the worlds, auspiciousness arose at that very time. And that very Liṅga became renowned throughout the three worlds, O twice-born sages.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Sthala Purana: The liṅga is ‘established for the worlds’ (lokānāṃ sthāpite liṅge); immediately kalyāṇa arises and the liṅga becomes famous across the three worlds—typical purāṇic marker of a newly consecrated sacred center.
Significance: Frames liṅga-pratiṣṭhā as a cosmic welfare-act: the arcā becomes a stabilizing axis for dharma and auspiciousness (kalyāṇa) for all beings.
Offering: dipa
FAQs
It teaches that establishing Śiva’s Liṅga for loka-kalyāṇa (the good of all beings) immediately generates auspiciousness, and such devotion becomes spiritually potent and widely revered—pointing to Śiva as Pati who bestows grace for worldly welfare and liberation.
The verse highlights the Liṅga as a Saguna support for worship—an accessible form through which devotees honor the transcendent (Nirguna) Śiva. By consecrating and serving the Liṅga, devotees participate in Śiva’s grace-flow that uplifts the worlds.
It implies Liṅga-pratiṣṭhā and daily Liṅga-pūjā—abhiṣeka with water (and other sacred offerings), accompanied by japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” performed with a loka-kalyāṇa intention.