Shloka 3

Vibhaga 1, Adhyaya 74 — ब्रह्मप्रोक्तलिङ्गार्चनविधिः

Materials, Classes, and Fruits of Linga-Worship

Devanagari script

विश्वेदेवास् तथा रौप्यं वसवः कान्तिकं शुभम् आरकूटमयं वायुर् अश्विनौ पार्थिवं सदा

Transliteration

viśvedevās tathā raupyaṃ vasavaḥ kāntikaṃ śubham ārakūṭamayaṃ vāyur aśvinau pārthivaṃ sadā

Translation

Do mesmo modo, a prata é associada aos Viśvedevas; os Vasus a materiais auspiciosos e radiantes; Vāyu a uma liga de cobre; e os Aśvins, sempre, ao que é terrestre. Assim, as substâncias da instalação sagrada se alinham a potências divinas a serviço do Pati, o Senhor.

Word by Word

• विश्वेदेवाः: the Viśvedevas (a class of Vedic deities)

• तथा: likewise/also

• रौप्यम्: silver

• वसवः: the Vasus (eight deities)

• कान्तिकम्: radiant/beautiful/lustrous

• शुभम्: auspicious

• आरकूटमयम्: made of ārakūṭa (a copper/metal alloy)

• वायुः: Vāyu (Wind-deity)

• अश्विनौ: the Aśvins (twin physician gods)

• पार्थिवम्: earthy/terrestrial (made of earth)

• सदा: always

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Vishvedevas
• Vasus
• Vayu
• Ashvins
• Shiva

FAQs

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

It assigns specific substances (silver, radiant metals, copper-alloy, earth) to Vedic deity-groups, showing that Linga-pratiṣṭhā uses consecrated materials harmonized with cosmic powers, ultimately offered to Pati (Śiva).

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

Śiva-tattva is implied as the integrative Lord (Pati) to whom diverse divine functions are subordinated; the many deities and materials become instruments in a single Shaiva act of worship directed to the supreme Linga.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Ritually, it points to dravya-niyama in Linga installation (choosing proper materials). Yogically, it supports Pāśupata discipline by purifying the pashu (soul) through regulated outer worship that loosens pasha (bondage).