Shloka 79

Adhyaya 8: Yogasthanas, Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama-Siddhi, and Shiva-Dhyana leading to Samadhi

Devanagari script

अग्न्यभ्यासे जले वापि शुष्कपर्णचये तथा जन्तुव्याप्ते श्मशाने च जीर्णगोष्ठे चतुष्पथे

Transliteration

agnyabhyāse jale vāpi śuṣkaparṇacaye tathā jantuvyāpte śmaśāne ca jīrṇagoṣṭhe catuṣpathe

Translation

Junto a un lugar de práctica con fuego, en el agua, sobre un montón de hojas secas; en un crematorio infestado de criaturas; en un establo viejo abandonado; y en un cruce de cuatro caminos: estos lugares se señalan como inadecuados para las observancias asentadas de la disciplina de Śiva, pues perturban la firmeza mental y la pureza requerida para el culto y el yoga.

Word by Word

• अग्न्यभ्यासे: near the place of fire-practice/constant fire

• जले: in water

• वा अपि: or even

• शुष्कपर्णचये: on a heap/pile of dry leaves

• तथा: and also

• जन्तुव्याप्ते: infested/overrun with living creatures

• श्मशाने: in a cremation ground

• च: and

• जीर्णगोष्ठे: in an old/ruined cowshed

• चतुष्पथे: at a four-road junction/crossroads

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the Linga Purana teachings to the sages of Naimisharanya, conveying Shiva-dharma rules of place and conduct)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It lists locations that disrupt steadiness and ritual purity, implying that Linga-puja and Shiva-sadhana should be performed in a stable, sattvic space to support focused devotion to Pati (Shiva) and the purification of the Pashu (soul).

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

By emphasizing disciplined place-selection, it points to Shiva as Pati—best approached through ordered sadhana that reduces Pasha (bondage) such as distraction, fear, and agitation, allowing the soul to rest in clarity and devotion.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It highlights sthana-nirnaya (choosing the proper place) for puja and Pashupata-oriented meditation—avoiding unstable or disturbing sites so that japa, dhyana, and Linga-upasana remain steady.