Shloka 33

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

Devanagari script

आलेपनं यथान्यायं वर्षचान्द्रायणं लभेत् अर्धक्रोशं शिवक्षेत्रं शिवलिङ्गात्समन्ततः

Transliteration

ālepanaṃ yathānyāyaṃ varṣacāndrāyaṇaṃ labhet ardhakrośaṃ śivakṣetraṃ śivaliṅgātsamantataḥ

Translation

നിയമപ്രകാരം ആലേപനം (ലേപനം) ചെയ്താൽ ഒരു വർഷത്തെ ചാന്ദ്രായണ വ്രതഫലം ലഭിക്കും. ശിവലിംഗത്തെ ചുറ്റി എല്ലാദിക്കുകളിലും അർദ്ധക്രോശം വരെ വ്യാപിക്കുന്ന പ്രദേശം ‘ശിവക്ഷേത്രം’ എന്നു പ്രസിദ്ധമാണ്।

Word by Word

• ālepanam: ritual smearing/plastering for purification

• yathā-nyāyam: according to the prescribed rule

• varṣa: a year

• cāndrāyaṇam: the lunar vow/penance (Cāndrāyaṇa)

• labhet: one obtains

• ardha-krośam: half a krośa (a traditional measure of distance)

• śiva-kṣetram: Shiva’s sacred precinct/field

• śiva-liṅgāt: from the Shiva-linga

• samantataḥ: on all sides, in every direction

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It defines the measurable sanctity of the Shiva-linga’s presence: a half-krośa perimeter is treated as Shiva’s kṣetra, and even a simple, rule-based act of purification (ālepana) there yields the merit of a major vow (year-long Cāndrāyaṇa).

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

Shiva as Pati is shown as immanent through the liṅga: His grace radiates into space itself, transforming the surrounding area into a liberating field where pasha (bondage) is weakened through dharmic acts performed with proper vidhi.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A ritual practice is emphasized: ālepana—purificatory smearing/plastering done “according to rule.” It functions as a preparatory limb of Shiva-puja, supporting purity (śauca) and devotion that align the pashu (soul) toward Pati.