Shloka 31

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

Devanagari script

संमार्जनादिभिर् वापि सर्वान्कामानवाप्नुयात् संमार्जनं तु यः कुर्यान् मार्जन्या मृदुसूक्ष्मया

Transliteration

saṃmārjanādibhir vāpi sarvānkāmānavāpnuyāt saṃmārjanaṃ tu yaḥ kuryān mārjanyā mṛdusūkṣmayā

Translation

掃き清めなど、聖所における心を込めた奉仕によって、あらゆる望みは成就し得る。だが掃除をする者は、柔らかく細やかな箒で行い、礼拝の場を損なうことなく、荒々しさなく清浄にせよ。

Word by Word

• saṃmārjanādibhiḥ: by sweeping and similar services

• vā api: even/also

• sarvān: all

• kāmān: desired aims (worldly and spiritual)

• avāpnuyāt: may obtain

• saṃmārjanam: sweeping/cleansing

• tu: indeed

• yaḥ: whoever

• kuryāt: should do/performs

• mārjanyā: with a broom/brush

• mṛdu-sūkṣmayā: soft and finely made (gentle, subtle)

Speaker

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

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It elevates practical seva—especially cleaning the shrine—as a real upacara that yields fruits; purity of the worship-space supports the devotee’s approach to Pati (Shiva) and weakens pasha through disciplined conduct.

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

Shiva-tattva is approached through inner and outer purification: even simple acts like sweeping become meaningful when done with gentleness and care, reflecting reverence toward the all-pervading Pati who accepts sincere service.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Saṃmārjana (ritual cleansing of the puja area/temple precincts) as a preparatory rite—performed softly and meticulously—aligning the practitioner’s body-mind for Linga-puja and Pashupata-style discipline.