Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 99

Shivamurti–Pratishtha Phala: Shivalaya-Nirmana, Kshetra-Mahatmya, Tirtha-Snana, and Mandala-Vidhi

Devanagari script

येन केनापि वा मर्त्यः प्रलिप्यायतनाग्रतः उत्तरे दक्षिणे वापि पृष्ठतो वा द्विजोत्तमाः

Transliteration

yena kenāpi vā martyaḥ pralipyāyatanāgrataḥ uttare dakṣiṇe vāpi pṛṣṭhato vā dvijottamāḥ

Translation

Wahai yang terbaik di antara kaum dwija, bila seorang manusia dengan cara apa pun mengotori bagian depan tempat suci—di sisi utara, selatan, atau bahkan belakang—maka itu perbuatan tak patut terhadap kediaman Tuhan dan menghalangi kemurnian pemujaan Lingga Śiva.

Word by Word

• येन केनापि (yena kenāpi): by any means whatsoever

• वा (vā): or

• मर्त्यः (martyaḥ): a mortal/person

• प्रलिप्य (pralipya): having smeared/soiled/defiled

• आयतन-अग्रतः (āyatana-agrataḥ): in front of the sanctuary/temple, before the sacred abode

• उत्तरे (uttare): on the northern side

• दक्षिणे (dakṣiṇe): on the southern side

• वा अपि (vāpi): or even

• पृष्ठतः (pṛṣṭhato): from behind/at the rear

• वा (vā): or

• द्विजोत्तमाः (dvijottamāḥ): O best of the twice-born (address to brahmin sages).

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva-puja regulations to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Linga
• Dvija

FAQs

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

It emphasizes śauca (ritual purity) around the Linga-shrine: defiling the front, sides, or rear of the sanctuary is a fault because it disrupts the sanctified field required for proper upacāra and effective devotion.

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

By stressing the sanctity of Śiva’s āyatana, the verse implies that approach to Pati (Śiva) requires ordered discipline; purity and reverence help the pashu (individual soul) loosen pasha (bondage) through right worship.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A practical puja-vidhi rule: maintain cleanliness and avoid any act that soils the shrine precincts; such external śauca supports internal steadiness needed for Shaiva sādhanā and Pāśupata-aligned worship.