Shloka 49

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

Devanagari script

तस्माच्छतगुणं पुण्यं स्पर्शनं च प्रदक्षिणम् तस्माच्छतगुणं पुण्यं जलस्नानमतः परम्

Transliteration

tasmācchataguṇaṃ puṇyaṃ sparśanaṃ ca pradakṣiṇam tasmācchataguṇaṃ puṇyaṃ jalasnānamataḥ param

Translation

అందువల్ల లింగాన్ని స్పర్శించి ప్రదక్షిణ చేయుట వలన శతగుణ పుణ్యం కలుగుతుంది; దానికన్నా పరమమైనది జలస్నానం/జలాభిషేకం, అది మరింత శతగుణ పుణ్యాన్ని ప్రసాదించునని చెప్పబడింది।

Word by Word

• tasmāt: therefore/from that

• śata-guṇam: a hundredfold

• puṇyam: merit, sacred virtue

• sparśanam: touching (the Liṅga)

• ca: and

• pradakṣiṇam: circumambulation (keeping the right side toward the deity)

• ataḥ param: beyond this, superior to this

• jala-snānam: bathing with water, ritual ablution (abhiṣeka)

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the Linga-puja merits to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Linga

FAQs

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

It establishes a hierarchy of puja-acts: sparśana (touching) and pradakṣiṇā (circumambulation) are highly meritorious, yet jala-snāna (water-abhisheka) is praised as even more potent, emphasizing purification and surrender to Pati (Shiva).

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

Shiva-tattva is approached here through the Liṅga as the accessible form of Pati: contact (sparśana), reverent movement (pradakṣiṇā), and ablution (abhisheka) become means by which the paśu (soul) turns toward grace, weakening pāśa (bondage).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Ritually, it highlights pradakṣiṇā and jala-abhisheka of the Liṅga; yogically, it supports Pāśupata-oriented purification—external worship that disciplines intention and devotion, preparing the paśu for Shiva’s anugraha (liberating grace).