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

नियमाप्रमाणे आलेपन (लेपन) केल्यास वर्ष-चान्द्रायणाचे फळ मिळते. शिवलिंगाच्या सभोवती सर्व बाजूंनी अर्ध क्रोशपर्यंतचा प्रदेश ‘शिवक्षेत्र’ म्हणून सांगितला आहे।

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.