Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 55

दारुवनलीला—नीललोहितपरीक्षा, ब्रह्मोपदेशः, अतिथिधर्मः, संन्यासक्रमः

Devanagari script

अन्नाद्यैरलमद्यार्ये स्वं दातुमिह चार्हसि सा च लज्जावृता नारी स्मरन्ती कथितं पुरा

Transliteration

annādyairalamadyārye svaṃ dātumiha cārhasi sā ca lajjāvṛtā nārī smarantī kathitaṃ purā

Translation

“Marangal na ginang, sa araw na ito sapat na ang pag-aalay ng pagkain at mga katulad nito; huwag mong ialay ang iyong sarili rito.” Kaya ang babaeng iyon—nababalot ng hiya—ay naalaala ang mga salitang sinabi noon pa man.

Word by Word

• अन्नाद्यैः: with food and other provisions

• अलम्: enough, sufficient

• अद्य: today/now

• आर्ये: O noble one/O respectable lady

• स्वम्: yourself/your own person

• दातुम्: to give

• इह: here

• च: and

• अर्हसि: you ought/you are fit (to do)

• सा: she

• च: and

• लज्जा-वृता: covered by modesty

• नारी: woman

• स्मरन्ती: remembering

• कथितम्: what was said/spoken

• पुरा: formerly/earlier

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating an internal episode)

FAQs

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

It frames dana as disciplined and dharmic—beginning with anna-dana—so that offerings made in the spirit of Shiva (Pati) are pure and non-exploitative, supporting sattva and devotion.

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

Indirectly, it points to Shiva-tattva as purity and restraint: true devotion aligns the pashu’s conduct with dharma, loosening pasha (bondage) through ethical giving rather than impulsive or harmful acts.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The practical takeaway is regulated charity—especially offering food and necessities—an external discipline that supports inner Pashupata-style self-control and prepares the devotee for steadier Shiva-puja.