Shloka 34
Liṅga-pratiṣṭhāvidhiḥ — Installation Standards and Auspicious Parameters for Liṅga Worship
अंगुष्ठादावपि तथा पूजामिच्छंति केचन । लिंगकर्मणि सर्वत्र निषेधोस्ति न कर्हिचित्
aṃguṣṭhādāvapi tathā pūjāmicchaṃti kecana | liṃgakarmaṇi sarvatra niṣedhosti na karhicit
Some devotees even wish to perform worship beginning with the thumb and the other fingers, as prescribed. In all acts connected with the Śiva-liṅga, there is never any prohibition at any time—such worship is always permissible.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the teachings of the Śiva Purāṇa to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
It emphasizes Śiva’s grace and accessibility: Liṅga-worship is not restricted by rigid prohibitions, so sincere devotion can be expressed through simple, permissible methods that purify the soul (paśu) and turn it toward Pati (Śiva).
The verse affirms that worship of the Śiva-liṅga (a Saguna focus for devotion) can be performed in many valid ways; the essential element is reverence and right intention, not excessive ritual anxiety.
It supports simple Liṅga-pūjā done with the hands (even beginning with thumb/fingers as per one’s tradition), accompanied by bhakti and, where applicable, japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya.”