Shloka 21

Adhyaya 17: लिङ्गोद्भव—ब्रह्मविष्ण्वहङ्कार-शमनं, ओंकार-प्रादुर्भावः, मन्त्र-तत्त्वं च

Devanagari script

सनातनमजं विष्णुं विरिञ्चिं विश्वसंभवम् विश्वात्मानं विधातारं धातारं पङ्कजेक्षणम्

Transliteration

sanātanamajaṃ viṣṇuṃ viriñciṃ viśvasaṃbhavam viśvātmānaṃ vidhātāraṃ dhātāraṃ paṅkajekṣaṇam

Translation

അവൻ സനാതനനും അജനുമായ വിഷ്ണുവിനെയും, വിശ്വസംഭവനായ വിരിഞ്ചി (ബ്രഹ്മാവിനെയും) കണ്ടു—അവൻ വിശ്വാത്മാവ്, വിധാതാ-ധാതാ, പദ്മനേത്രനായ പ്രഭു. എന്നാൽ ശൈവദർശനത്തിൽ ഈ പദവികൾ എല്ലാം പരമ പതി ശിവന്റെ കൃപയാൽ മാത്രമേ നിലനിൽക്കൂ।

Word by Word

• सनातनम्: eternal

• अजम्: unborn

• विष्णुम्: Vishnu (the all-pervading sustainer)

• विरिञ्चिम्: Viriñci, Brahma

• विश्वसंभवम्: source/origin of the universe

• विश्वात्मानम्: the Self of the universe, indwelling soul of all

• विधातारम्: ordainer, apportioner of destiny

• धातारम्: supporter, sustainer

• पङ्कजेक्षणम्: lotus-eyed

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the Linga’s manifestation narrative to the sages; internal reference to Vishnu and Brahma as cosmic principles)

Characters & Entities

• Vishnu
• Brahma (Virinchi)

FAQs

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

It frames Brahmā and Viṣṇu’s cosmic powers (creation and sustenance) as exalted yet derivative, preparing the reader to revere the Linga as the transcendent source (Pati) that empowers all divine functions.

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

By listing the highest cosmic titles—unborn, eternal, world-soul, ordainer, sustainer—it points to the supreme principle that Shaiva Siddhanta identifies as Śiva: the independent Pati, while Brahmā and Viṣṇu operate as dependent tattvas within his sovereignty.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A contemplative upāsanā: meditating on the Linga as the inner Self (viśvātmā) and cosmic support (dhātā), loosening pasha (bondage) through Pashupata-style discernment that all powers rest in Pati.