Shloka 17

Devanagari script

सर्वेषामेव भूतानां बलिदानं विधानतः भूतयज्ञ इति प्रोक्तो भूतिदः सर्वदेहिनाम्

Transliteration

sarveṣāmeva bhūtānāṃ balidānaṃ vidhānataḥ bhūtayajña iti prokto bhūtidaḥ sarvadehinām

Translation

விதிப்படி எல்லா உயிர்களுக்கும் அளிக்கப்படும் பலி-தானம் ‘பூதயஜ்ஞம்’ எனப்படுகிறது; அது எல்லா உடலுடையோருக்கும் நலம் மற்றும் போஷணத்தை அளிக்கிறது।

Word by Word

• सर्वेषाम् (sarveṣām): of all

• एव (eva): indeed

• भूतानाम् (bhūtānām): of beings/creatures

• बलिदानम् (balidānam): offering of bali/oblations

• विधानतः (vidhānataḥ): according to rule/prescription

• भूतयज्ञः (bhūtayajñaḥ): sacrifice offered to beings

• इति (iti): thus

• प्रोक्तः (proktaḥ): is said/declared

• भूतिदः (bhūtidaḥ): giver of welfare/prosperity to beings

• सर्वदेहिनाम् (sarva-dehinām): of all embodied ones

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It frames compassion and rightful offerings to living beings (bhūtas) as a yajña aligned with Shiva-dharma, supporting purity and auspiciousness for Linga-pūjā.

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

By emphasizing welfare to all embodied beings, it reflects Shiva as Pati—the gracious Lord whose dharma uplifts paśus (souls) bound by pasha (bondage) through regulated, sattvic conduct.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Bhūta-yajña: offering bali according to prescribed vidhi—an ethical-ritual discipline that supports inner purification and steadiness beneficial for Pashupata-oriented sadhana.