Shloka 23

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

Devanagari script

द्राविडं नागरं वापि केसरं वा विधानतः कूटं वा मण्डपं वापि समं वा दीर्घम् एव च

Transliteration

drāviḍaṃ nāgaraṃ vāpi kesaraṃ vā vidhānataḥ kūṭaṃ vā maṇḍapaṃ vāpi samaṃ vā dīrgham eva ca

Translation

വിധിപ്രകാരം അത് ദ്രാവിഡമോ നാഗരമോ ആയ ശൈലിയിൽ, അല്ലെങ്കിൽ കേസര-പ്രകാര ശിഖരത്തോടെ നിർമ്മിക്കാം. കൂടാതെ കൂറ്റമോ മണ്ഡപമോ സമപ്രമാണമായോ ദീർഘമായോ പണിയാം.

Word by Word

• द्राविडम्: Drāviḍa (southern temple style)

• नागरम्: Nāgara (northern temple style)

• वा अपि: or else/also

• केसरम्: Kesara-type (a specified architectural form/cresting)

• वा: or

• विधानतः: according to rule/ordinance

• कूटम्: kūṭa (shrine-tower/peak)

• वा: or

• मण्डपम्: maṇḍapa (pillared hall/pavilion)

• वा अपि: or also

• समम्: equal/proportionate

• वा: or

• दीर्घम्: long/extended

• एव: indeed

• च: and

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva-puja and temple/linga installation norms to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It legitimizes multiple orthodox architectural options (Drāviḍa, Nāgara, etc.) for building the sacred setting of the Linga, emphasizing that correct vidhi (rule) and proportion sanctify the worship-space for approaching Pati (Shiva).

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

By allowing diverse forms of shrine-design while keeping to prescribed order, the verse implies Shiva-tattva as one and universal, approachable through many sanctioned forms—yet realized through disciplined observance that purifies the pashu from pāśa.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Pūjā-vidhi in the form of prāsāda/maṇḍapa construction and proportionate layout—supporting steady worship, mantra, and inner Pāśupata discipline within a properly consecrated space.