Shloka 53

Adhyaya 84: शिवव्रतकथनम्

Uma–Maheshvara Vrata, Shula-dana, and Month-wise Ekabhakta Vrata

Devanagari script

शृङ्गैश्चतुर्भिः संयुक्तं वितानच्छत्रशोभितम् गन्धमाल्यैस् तथा धूपैश् चित्रैश्चापि सुशोभितम्

Transliteration

śṛṅgaiścaturbhiḥ saṃyuktaṃ vitānacchatraśobhitam gandhamālyais tathā dhūpaiś citraiścāpi suśobhitam

Translation

તે ચાર શૃંગસદૃશ શિખરો સાથે યુક્ત, વિતાન અને છત્રોથી શોભિત; સુગંધ, માળા તથા ધૂપથી, અને નાનાવિધ ચિત્રાલંકારોથી પણ અત્યંત સુશોભિત હતું—પશુના પાશ ઢીલા કરનાર પતિ, ભગવાન શિવની પૂજાને યોગ્ય।

Word by Word

• śṛṅgaiḥ: with horn-like finials/projections

• caturbhiḥ: with four

• saṃyuktam: joined/fitted

• vitāna: canopy

• chatra: parasol

• śobhitam: adorned/beautified

• gandha: fragrance/perfume

• mālyaiḥ: with garlands

• tathā: likewise/also

• dhūpaiḥ: with incense

• citraiḥ: with variegated designs/decorations

• ca api: and also

• suśobhitam: very well adorned

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the Linga Purana tradition to the sages at Naimisharanya, describing the puja-arrangements)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It specifies the proper beautification of the worship-setting—canopy, parasols, fragrance, garlands, and incense—showing that Linga-puja is performed with both ritual precision and devotional excellence, making the space worthy of Mahadeva.

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

Though it describes external adornment, the intent is theological: all sacred offerings and ordered beauty are directed to Pati (Śiva), the Lord beyond bondage, who receives worship to release the paśu from pāśa.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse highlights puja-vidhi—mandapa/altar preparation with gandha, mālya, and dhūpa—supporting the Pāśupata-oriented discipline where outer purity and inner concentration together steady the mind for Śiva-bhakti.