Shloka 99

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

Devanagari script

येन केनापि वा मर्त्यः प्रलिप्यायतनाग्रतः उत्तरे दक्षिणे वापि पृष्ठतो वा द्विजोत्तमाः

Transliteration

yena kenāpi vā martyaḥ pralipyāyatanāgrataḥ uttare dakṣiṇe vāpi pṛṣṭhato vā dvijottamāḥ

Translation

О лучший из дважды-рождённых! Если какой-либо смертный каким бы то ни было образом мажет или оскверняет пространство перед святилищем — на севере, на юге или даже позади, — то это считается неподобающим деянием по отношению к обители Владыки и препятствует чистоте, необходимой для почитания Лингам Шивы.

Word by Word

• येन केनापि (yena kenāpi): by any means whatsoever

• वा (vā): or

• मर्त्यः (martyaḥ): a mortal/person

• प्रलिप्य (pralipya): having smeared/soiled/defiled

• आयतन-अग्रतः (āyatana-agrataḥ): in front of the sanctuary/temple, before the sacred abode

• उत्तरे (uttare): on the northern side

• दक्षिणे (dakṣiṇe): on the southern side

• वा अपि (vāpi): or even

• पृष्ठतः (pṛṣṭhato): from behind/at the rear

• वा (vā): or

• द्विजोत्तमाः (dvijottamāḥ): O best of the twice-born (address to brahmin sages).

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva-puja regulations to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Linga
• Dvija

FAQs

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

It emphasizes śauca (ritual purity) around the Linga-shrine: defiling the front, sides, or rear of the sanctuary is a fault because it disrupts the sanctified field required for proper upacāra and effective devotion.

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

By stressing the sanctity of Śiva’s āyatana, the verse implies that approach to Pati (Śiva) requires ordered discipline; purity and reverence help the pashu (individual soul) loosen pasha (bondage) through right worship.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A practical puja-vidhi rule: maintain cleanliness and avoid any act that soils the shrine precincts; such external śauca supports internal steadiness needed for Shaiva sādhanā and Pāśupata-aligned worship.