Shloka 16

Devanagari script

वर्तुलं चतुरस्रं वा षडस्रं वा त्रिरस्रकम् समन्तान्निर्व्रणं शुभ्रं लक्षणैस्तत् सुलक्षितम्

Transliteration

vartulaṃ caturasraṃ vā ṣaḍasraṃ vā trirasrakam samantānnirvraṇaṃ śubhraṃ lakṣaṇaistat sulakṣitam

Translation

சிவலிங்கம் வட்டம், சதுரம், அறுகோணம் அல்லது முக்கோணம் ஆக இருக்கலாம்; அது எல்லாப் பக்கங்களிலும் குறையற்றது, தூயதும் பிரகாசமுமானதும் ஆக வேண்டும். இவ்வாறு சுப லட்சணங்களுடன் இருப்பது வழிபாட்டிற்கு உத்தமம்.

Word by Word

• वर्तुलम्: circular/round

• चतुरस्रम्: four-sided/square

• वा: or

• षडस्रम्: six-sided/hexagonal

• वा: or

• त्रिरस्रकम्: three-sided/triangular

• समन्तात्: on all sides/everywhere

• निर्व्रणम्: without blemish/without defect

• शुभ्रम्: pure, bright, white

• लक्षणैः: by marks/characteristics

• तत्: that (Linga)

• सुलक्षितम्: well-marked, properly characterized

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Linga-lakshana within the Purva-Bhaga discourse to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It gives core selection-criteria for a worship-worthy Shiva-Linga: acceptable canonical shapes and the requirement of being blemishless and pure, emphasizing ritual fitness and auspiciousness.

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

By allowing multiple geometrical forms while insisting on purity and flawlessness, it implies Shiva-tattva is not confined to one outward form; the paśu approaches the formless Pati through a sanctified, well-marked symbol.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It highlights puja-vidhi through linga-parīkṣā (examining the Linga’s marks): choosing a clean, unblemished form as the foundation for disciplined worship that supports Pāśupata-oriented purification.