Shloka 55

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

Devanagari script

अश्वमेधफलं प्राप्य रुद्रलोकं स गच्छति मध्याह्ने शिवतीर्थेषु स्नात्वा भक्त्या सकृन्नरः

Transliteration

aśvamedhaphalaṃ prāpya rudralokaṃ sa gacchati madhyāhne śivatīrtheṣu snātvā bhaktyā sakṛnnaraḥ

Translation

ഭക്തിയോടെ മധ്യാഹ്നത്തിൽ ശിവതീർഥങ്ങളിൽ ഒരിക്കൽ പോലും സ്നാനം ചെയ്യുന്നവൻ അശ്വമേധയാഗഫലം പ്രാപിച്ച് പിന്നീട് രുദ്രലോകത്തിലേക്ക് പോകുന്നു।

Word by Word

• अश्वमेधफलम्: the fruit/merit of the Aśvamedha sacrifice

• प्राप्य: having obtained

• रुद्रलोकम्: the world/realm of Rudra (Shiva)

• सः: he

• गच्छति: goes

• मध्याह्ने: at midday

• शिवतीर्थेषु: in Shiva’s sacred tīrthas (holy bathing places)

• स्नात्वा: having bathed

• भक्त्या: with devotion

• सकृत्: once, a single time

• नरः: a man/person

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Rudra

FAQs

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

It elevates Shiva-centered tīrtha-bathing performed with bhakti as a direct Shaiva observance whose merit equals major Vedic sacrifice, emphasizing accessible devotion over costly ritual.

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

Shiva is implied as Pati—the Lord who grants the highest gati (destiny): entry into Rudraloka—showing that His grace responds to sincere devotion and purifies the pashu from pasha.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A simple but potent practice is taught: madhyāhna-snāna (midday bathing) at Shiva tīrthas with devotion—an outer rite supporting inner purification aligned with Shaiva discipline.