Shloka 53
Bhāratavarṣa–Navabheda-Vyavasthā
The Nine Divisions of Bhāratavarṣa and Its Sacred Geography
पृष्ठतोऽस्तगिरिश्चैव ह्यविकेशश्च केसरी । शाकस्तत्र महावृक्षस्सिद्धगंधर्वसेवितः
pṛṣṭhato'stagiriścaiva hyavikeśaśca kesarī | śākastatra mahāvṛkṣassiddhagaṃdharvasevitaḥ
பின்புறம் அஸ்தகிரி இருந்தது; அவிகேசன் எனும் சிங்கமும் இருந்தது. அங்கே சித்தரும் கந்தர்வரும் சேவிக்கும் ஒரு மகா சாக மரம் வளர்ந்திருந்தது.
Suta Goswami
FAQs
The verse marks the site as divinely charged: mountains, sacred trees, and celestial attendants indicate a kṣetra where devotion ripens quickly. In Shaiva understanding, such sanctified space supports bhakti and inner purity, preparing the seeker for Shiva’s grace.
Although the Linga is not named here, the presence of Siddhas and Gandharvas functions as a narrative sign of a Shiva-kṣetra where Saguna Shiva worship is naturally established. Such descriptions commonly frame the setting for Linga worship, vrata, and darśana in the Purana.
The practical takeaway is kṣetra-sevā: visiting or mentally contemplating the holy place with reverence, coupled with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya). One may also perform simple offerings under a sacred tree—water, bilva, or lamps—while maintaining Shaiva purity and devotion.