Shloka 29

Vibhaga 1, Adhyaya 74 — ब्रह्मप्रोक्तलिङ्गार्चनविधिः

Materials, Classes, and Fruits of Linga-Worship

Devanagari script

तस्य पुण्यं मया वक्तुं सम्यग्युगशतैरपि शक्यते नैव विप्रेन्द्रास् तस्माद् वै स्थापयेत् तथा

Transliteration

tasya puṇyaṃ mayā vaktuṃ samyagyugaśatairapi śakyate naiva viprendrās tasmād vai sthāpayet tathā

Translation

Ô le meilleur des brahmanes, quand bien même je parlerais durant des centaines de yuga, je ne pourrais exposer pleinement le mérite né de cet acte. C’est pourquoi il faut installer le Liṅga de cette manière même, afin que le paśu (l’âme liée) se tourne vers Pati, le Seigneur Śiva, et relâche le pāśa (les liens) par l’adoration.

Word by Word

• tasya: of that (act/rite)

• puṇyam: merit, sacred fruit

• mayā: by me

• vaktum: to speak, to describe

• samyak: completely, properly

• yuga-śataiḥ api: even with hundreds of yugas

• śakyate na eva: it is not possible

• vipra-indrāḥ: O chiefs among Brahmins

• tasmāt: therefore

• vai: indeed

• sthāpayet: one should स्थापित/establish/install

• tathā: thus, in that manner

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Linga-sthapana teachings to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Linga

FAQs

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

It declares the fruit (puṇya) of Linga-sthāpana to be immeasurable, urging the practitioner to establish the Linga exactly as prescribed—because consecration becomes a direct, enduring support for Shiva-bhakti.

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

By presenting the merit as beyond complete narration, it implies Shiva-tattva as ananta (limitless) and the Linga as a fitting, consecrated locus through which the paśu approaches Pati and transcends pāśa.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse highlights Linga-sthāpana (installation/consecration) as a primary Shaiva practice; it functions as a sustained discipline supporting puja, mantra, and the inward orientation central to Pāśupata-style sādhanā.