Shloka 5
पानीयदान-प्रपादान-वापीकूपतडाग-निर्माण-प्रशंसा
Praise of Water-Gift and the Construction of Wells and Tanks
सर्वं तारयते वंशं यस्य खाते जलाशये । गावः पिबंति विप्राश्च साधवश्च नरास्सदा
sarvaṃ tārayate vaṃśaṃ yasya khāte jalāśaye | gāvaḥ pibaṃti viprāśca sādhavaśca narāssadā
He delivers his entire lineage for whom a water-reservoir has been dug; for there cows drink, and Brahmins (vipra), and the virtuous—indeed people always.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga-specific account; the ‘deliverance of lineage’ (vaṃśa-tāraṇa) reflects purāṇic merit theology tied to sustaining beings—especially cows and sādhus.
Significance: Positions water-reservoir building as a high iṣṭāpūrta act benefiting multiple classes of beings; such acts are often linked with temple tanks and pilgrimage routes.
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse teaches that selfless public welfare—such as creating a water source for all beings—generates great puṇya that uplifts not only the doer but even the entire lineage, aligning one’s life with dharma under Shiva’s cosmic order.
In Shaiva practice, true Linga-worship is not only ritual but also compassionate conduct; serving living beings (especially cows, sādhus, and vipras) is an expression of devotion to Saguna Shiva who pervades and supports all.
It suggests dāna and seva as a Shaiva discipline—perform an act like providing water for travelers and creatures, dedicate the merit to Lord Shiva with the Panchakshara mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), and maintain purity of intention.