Shloka 42

Pārthiva-Śiva-liṅga Saṃkhyā-vidhāna

Enumeration and Procedure of Earthen Liṅga Worship

Devanagari script

वैदिकानां द्विजानां च पूजा वैदिकमार्गतः । कर्तव्यानान्यमार्गेण इत्याह भगवाञ्छिवः

Transliteration

vaidikānāṃ dvijānāṃ ca pūjā vaidikamārgataḥ | kartavyānānyamārgeṇa ityāha bhagavāñchivaḥ

Translation

భగవాన్ శివుడు ఇలా ప్రకటించాడు—వైదికులకును, ముఖ్యంగా ద్విజులకును, పూజ వైదిక మార్గముననే చేయవలెను; ఇతర మార్గమున కాదు.

Word by Word

vaidikānāmof the Vedic (people)

dvijānāmof the twice-born (Brahmins)

caand

pūjāworship

vaidika-mārgataḥaccording to the Vedic path

kartavyāto be done / should be performed

nanot

anya-mārgeṇaby another path (non-Vedic way)

itithus

āhasaid

bhagavānthe Blessed Lord

śivaḥŚiva

Speaker

Lord Shiva

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pati

Shiva Form: Īśāna

Characters & Entities

Shiva

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

It emphasizes that spiritual power in worship depends on right order (vidhi) and dharma: for Veda-bound practitioners, Śiva-worship should align with Vedic injunctions so the act becomes purifying and conducive to grace and liberation.

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

It frames Linga/Saguṇa-Śiva worship within authorized ritual discipline: the form is worshipped, but the method must follow the Vedic rule-set appropriate to the worshipper’s dharma, ensuring the offering becomes a proper means to Śiva’s anugraha (grace).

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

Perform Śiva-pūjā with Vedic procedure—purification, sanctioned mantras (including pañcākṣarī where appropriate), and prescribed offerings—avoiding improvised or non-scriptural substitutions for those obligated to Vedic observance.