Shloka 9
Liṅga-pratiṣṭhāvidhiḥ — Installation Standards and Auspicious Parameters for Liṅga Worship
न्यूनं चेत्फलमल्पं स्यादधिकं नैव दूष्यते । कर्तुरेकांगुलन्यूनं चरेपि च तथैव हि
nyūnaṃ cetphalamalpaṃ syādadhikaṃ naiva dūṣyate | karturekāṃgulanyūnaṃ carepi ca tathaiva hi
कमी झाली तर फल अल्प होते; पण अधिक झाले तरी दोष मानला जात नाही. तसेच कर्त्यासाठी ठरलेल्या प्रमाणापेक्षा एक अंगुळ कमी असले तरी फल तदनुसार कमी होते.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Vidyeshvara Samhita teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Sadyojāta
FAQs
It teaches that Shiva-worship has a dharmic “measure”: negligence or deficiency reduces spiritual merit, while sincere excess in devotion is not दोष (a blemish). The verse emphasizes careful, reverent observance rather than casual ritual.
In Linga-puja to Saguna Shiva, offerings and prescribed measures symbolize inner discipline and steadiness of bhakti. The Purana notes that shortfall weakens the फल (result), whereas offering more—when done with devotion—does not corrupt the worship.
Perform Linga-puja and related observances (e.g., mantra-japa such as the Panchakshara, proper offerings, and measured ritual steps) with attentiveness; avoid cutting corners, and if you add more in devotion, it is acceptable.