Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 17

उमास्वयंवरः / भवोद्वाहः, गणसमागमः, अविमुक्तक्षेत्रमाहात्म्यम्, तथा विनायक-उत्पत्तिसूचना

Devanagari script

विष्टम्भो ऽष्टाभिर् एवेह गणपः सर्वसत्तमः पिप्पलश् च सहस्रेण संनादश् च तथा द्विजाः

Transliteration

viṣṭambho 'ṣṭābhir eveha gaṇapaḥ sarvasattamaḥ pippalaś ca sahasreṇa saṃnādaś ca tathā dvijāḥ

Translation

Dito, ang pinunong-gaṇa na si Viṣṭambha—pinakamainam sa lahat ng nilalang—ay nakatindig na may walong pangkat na kasama. Gayundin, si Pippala ay may isang libong tagasunod, at gayon din si Saṃnāda, kasama ang mga “dalawang-besing isinilang” na mga pantas na pumupuri at nagtataguyod sa Panginoon.

Word by Word

• viṣṭambhaḥ: (named) Viṣṭambha

• aṣṭābhiḥ: with eight

• eva iha: indeed here (in this context)

• gaṇapaḥ: leader of the gaṇas

• sarva-sattamaḥ: best among all beings

• pippalaḥ: (named) Pippala

• ca: and

• sahasreṇa: with a thousand

• saṃnādaḥ: (named) Saṃnāda (roaring/resounding one)

• ca: and

• tathā: likewise

• dvijāḥ: the twice-born (Brahmins/vedic seers)

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Viṣṭambha
• Pippala
• Saṃnāda
• Dvijas

FAQs

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

It situates Linga devotion within Shiva’s cosmic order: the Lord (Pati) is served by organized gaṇa-hosts who protect, amplify, and regulate sacred rites around his presence.

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

By listing gaṇa-chiefs and their vast retinues, the verse implies Shiva’s sovereignty as Pati—the supreme ruler whose will is executed through countless empowered attendants across the worlds.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It indirectly highlights gaṇa-sevā and protective sanctification around worship—an atmosphere essential to Pashupata-oriented discipline where the pashu (soul) approaches Pati by removing pasha (bondage) through regulated devotion and conduct.