Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 100

अध्याय ८२ — व्यपोहनस्तवः (पापव्यपोहन-स्तोत्रम्)

Devanagari script

मातॄणां रक्षको नित्यं महावृषभवाहनः त्रैलोक्यनमितः श्रीमान् शिवपादार्चने रतः

Transliteration

mātṝṇāṃ rakṣako nityaṃ mahāvṛṣabhavāhanaḥ trailokyanamitaḥ śrīmān śivapādārcane rataḥ

Translation

Il est le protecteur constant des Mères divines; monté sur le grand taureau (Vṛṣabha), vénéré par les trois mondes, le Glorieux demeure sans cesse absorbé dans l’adoration des pieds saints de Śiva.

Word by Word

• मातॄणाम्: of the Mothers (Mātṛs)

• रक्षकः: protector/guardian

• नित्यम्: always, eternally

• महावृषभवाहनः: he whose vehicle is the great bull (Nandin)

• त्रैलोक्यनमितः: bowed to by the three worlds

• श्रीमान्: auspicious, glorious, illustrious

• शिवपादार्चने: in the worship (arcana) of Śiva’s feet

• रतः: devoted/engaged, absorbed

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Matrikas (Divine Mothers)
• Nandi

FAQs

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

It emphasizes that true Śaiva practice is grounded in śiva-pādārcana—devotional worship of Śiva’s feet—through which the pashu (soul) turns toward Pati (the Lord) and moves away from pasha (bondage).

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

Śiva-tattva is shown as both protective and transcendent: the one revered by all three worlds, yet intimately accessible through worship; the ever-guardian who sustains divine order and grace.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Pada-archana (worship of Śiva’s feet) is highlighted as a core devotional discipline aligned with Śaiva sādhanā, supporting inner steadiness and devotion central to Pāśupata-oriented practice.