Shloka 47

Adhyaya 8: Yogasthanas, Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama-Siddhi, and Shiva-Dhyana leading to Samadhi

Devanagari script

नीचो द्वादशमात्रस्तु उद्धातो द्वादशः स्मृतः मध्यमस् तु द्विरुद्धातश् चतुर्विंशतिमात्रकः

Transliteration

nīco dvādaśamātrastu uddhāto dvādaśaḥ smṛtaḥ madhyamas tu dviruddhātaś caturviṃśatimātrakaḥ

Translation

‘ನೀಚ’ ಲಿಂಗವು ದ್ವಾದಶಮಾತ್ರೆಯದು; ‘ಉದ್ಧಾತ’ (ಉನ್ನತ)ವೂ ದ್ವಾದಶಮಾತ್ರೆಯದೇ ಎಂದು ಸ್ಮೃತ. ‘ಮಧ್ಯಮ’ ಪ್ರಕಾರವು ಉದ್ಧಾತದ ದ್ವಿಗುಣ—ಚತುರ್ವಿಂಶತಿಮಾತ್ರೆ—ಪೂಜಾಕ್ರಮವನ್ನು ಸುಸಂಸ್ಥಿತಗೊಳಿಸಿ, ಪಶು (ಬಂಧಿತ ಜೀವ)ವನ್ನು ಸ್ಥಿರಗೊಳಿಸಿ ಪತಿ ಶಿವನ ಕಡೆಗೆ ತಿರುಗಿಸುತ್ತದೆ।

Word by Word

• नीचः (nīcaḥ): low/short (type)

• द्वादश (dvādaśa): twelve

• मात्रः/मात्रकः (mātraḥ/mātrakaḥ): a unit of measure

• तु (tu): indeed

• उद्धातः (uddhātaḥ): raised/elevated (type)

• स्मृतः (smṛtaḥ): is remembered/declared

• मध्यमः (madhyamaḥ): middle/medium (type)

• द्वि (dvi): twice

• उद्धातः (uddhātaḥ): the raised measure/type

• चतुर्विंशति (caturviṃśati): twenty-four

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It standardizes Linga types by mātrā-measure, helping ensure that installation and daily pūjā follow śāstric proportion—an essential foundation for effective, orderly Śaiva worship.

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

By treating the Linga as a precisely measured, worship-worthy form, the verse implies Śiva’s immanence in a consecrated symbol—accessible to the pashu through regulated ritual while remaining the transcendent Pati.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Pūjā-vidhi connected to pratimā/linga-māna (iconic measurement): correct proportion supports steadiness of mind and disciplined devotion, aligning with the preparatory ethos of Pāśupata-oriented practice.