Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 44

सूर्यरथ-रचना, ध्रुव-प्रेरणा, मास-गणाः च

Jyotish-chakra: Surya’s Motion and Monthly Retinues

Devanagari script

द्वादशास्य क्रमेणैव कुर्वते ऽभीषुसंग्रहम् प्रयान्ति यज्ञोपेतान्ता रक्षोहेतिमुखाः सह

Transliteration

dvādaśāsya krameṇaiva kurvate 'bhīṣusaṃgraham prayānti yajñopetāntā rakṣohetimukhāḥ saha

Translation

ਦ੍ਵਾਦਸ਼-ਚੱਕਰ ਦੇ ਕ੍ਰਮ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਉਹ ਕਿਰਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਸੰਗ੍ਰਹਿ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ; ਫਿਰ ਯੱਗ ਦੇ ਉਪਸੰਹਾਰ ਸਮੇਤ ਅੱਗੇ ਵਧਦੇ ਹਨ—ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਮੁੱਖ ਉਦੇਸ਼ ਰਾਖਸ਼ਸ-ਨਿਵਾਰਣ ਹੈ, ਉਹ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਲਈ ਹਥਿਆਰ ਧਾਰੇ ਹੋਏ।

Word by Word

• द्वादशास्य: twelve-faced/twelvefold (cycle)

• क्रमेण: in order/sequence

• एव: indeed

• कुर्वते: they do/perform

• अभीषु-संग्रहम्: collection/assembling of rays

• प्रयान्ति: they go forth/proceed

• यज्ञ-उपेत-अन्ता: accompanied by the end/closing rites of the sacrifice

• रक्षः: rākṣasas/demonic forces

• हेति: weapon/means of striking

• मुखाः: foremost/front-facing/with as their primary aim

• सह: together/along with

Speaker

Suta (narrating the Purana to the sages; internal ritual description inferred)

Characters & Entities

• Surya
• Rakshasas
• Yajna

FAQs

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

It links Shiva-oriented dharma to yajña-based cosmic order: protective, orderly ritual action supports the pashu (soul) in resisting pasha (harmful forces), aligning life with Pati’s governance.

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

Shiva-tattva is implied as the sovereign order behind ritual and protection: the forces that preserve and purify operate within a divinely structured sequence, ultimately serving Pati’s safeguarding of beings.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A yajña-krama (ordered sacrificial sequence) culminating in protective measures—rites and implements meant to ward off hostile influences—supporting steadiness and purity that aid Pashupata-oriented discipline.