Viśveśvara-māhātmya and the Nirguṇa–Saguṇa Emergence of Śiva (Śakti–Puruṣa/Prakṛti Discourse)
अविमुक्तं स्वयं लिंगं स्थापितं परमात्मना । न कदाचित्त्वया त्याज्यमिदं क्षेत्रं ममांशक
avimuktaṃ svayaṃ liṃgaṃ sthāpitaṃ paramātmanā | na kadācittvayā tyājyamidaṃ kṣetraṃ mamāṃśaka
In Avimukta, the Supreme Self (Paramātman) Himself established this Liṅga. Therefore, O portion of Mine, you must never abandon this sacred kṣetra.
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Liṅgodbhava
It declares Avimukta (Kāśī) as a uniquely liberated kṣetra where Śiva’s presence is direct and unwavering, because the Liṅga there is established by the Paramātman Himself—making the place a powerful support for mukti through Śiva-sambandha (bond with Śiva).
The verse emphasizes Saguna worship through the Liṅga as Śiva’s chosen, established form in the world; approaching the Liṅga in Avimukta is presented as approaching Śiva’s living presence, not merely a symbol.
The practical takeaway is steadfast kṣetra-niṣṭhā (devotional commitment to the sacred space) expressed through regular Liṅga-pūjā—especially japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and simple offerings with bhakti.