Shloka 2

Pārthiva-Śiva-liṅga Saṃkhyā-vidhāna

Enumeration and Procedure of Earthen Liṅga Worship

Devanagari script

कामनाभेदमाश्रित्य संख्यां ब्रूहि विधानतः । शिवपार्थिवलिंगानां कृपया दीनवत्सल

Transliteration

kāmanābhedamāśritya saṃkhyāṃ brūhi vidhānataḥ | śivapārthivaliṃgānāṃ kṛpayā dīnavatsala

Translation

Considering the different aims of devotees, kindly tell us—according to proper rule—the prescribed number of Śiva’s earthen Liṅgas to be made and worshipped. O compassionate one, tender to the distressed!

Word by Word

• कामना-भेदम्: the distinction of desires
• कामना-भेदम्: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: कामना (प्रातिपदिक) + भेद (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd/द्वितीया), एकवचन; षष्ठी-तत्पुरुषः (कामनायाः भेदम्)

• आश्रित्य: having relied on/based on
• आश्रित्य: Kriya (क्रिया-पूर्वक)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: आ-श्रि (धातु)
• Form: क्त्वान्त अव्यय (gerund/absolutive), ‘having resorted to/based on’

• संख्याम्: the number
• संख्याम्: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: संख्या (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd/द्वितीया), एकवचन

• ब्रूहि: tell/speak
• ब्रूहि: Kriya (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: ब्रू (धातु)
• Form: लोट् (Imperative/आज्ञार्थ), परस्मैपद, मध्यमपुरुष (2nd), एकवचन

• विधानतः: according to the prescribed method
• विधानतः: Kriya-visheshana (क्रियाविशेषण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: विधानतस् (अव्यय-प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: तसिल्-प्रत्ययान्त अव्यय (adverb), ‘according to rule/procedure’

• शिव-पार्थिव-लिङ्गानाम्: of the earthen Śiva-liṅgas
• शिव-पार्थिव-लिङ्गानाम्: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/Genitive)
• Type: Noun
• Root: शिव (प्रातिपदिक) + पार्थिव (प्रातिपदिक) + लिङ्ग (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, षष्ठी (6th/षष्ठी), बहुवचन; तत्पुरुषः (शिवस्य पार्थिवलिङ्गानि)

• कृपया: out of compassion
• कृपया: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: कृपा (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, तृतीया (3rd/तृतीया), एकवचन; हेतौ/करणे (by compassion)

• दीन-वत्सल: O compassionate to the poor/distressed
• दीन-वत्सल: Sambodhana (सम्बोधन)
• Type: Noun
• Root: दीन (प्रातिपदिक) + वत्सल (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, सम्बोधन (Vocative/सम्बोधन), एकवचन; कर्मधारयः (दीनानां वत्सलः)

Speaker

A sage (addressing Sūta Gosvāmin in the Naimiṣāraṇya dialogue context)

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pashu

Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha

Jyotirlinga Context

Significance: Focus is on a universally applicable household/vrata-style rite (pārthiva-liṅga), not a specific kṣetra.

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

The verse frames Shiva worship as both compassionate and methodical: the devotee’s intention (kāmanā) is acknowledged, yet the worship must follow vidhi (scriptural discipline). It highlights Saguna devotion through the Liṅga as a legitimate path that can purify desires and elevate the seeker toward grace.

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

It specifically asks about the prescribed count for worship of Pārthiva (earthen) Liṅgas—an iconic Saguna practice where Śiva is approached through a consecrated symbol. The emphasis on proper procedure shows that Liṅga worship is not merely symbolic, but a regulated devotional act inviting Śiva’s presence and blessing.

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

The verse points to Pārthiva Liṅga pūjā with a fixed number (saṃkhyā) determined by the devotee’s aim, performed according to injunction (vidhānataḥ). In practice this is commonly paired with mantra-japa—especially the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—and disciplined offerings during observances like Mahāśivarātri.