Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 19

Adhyaya 33: Pashupata Conduct, Bhasma-Vrata, and Shiva’s Boon to the Sages

Devanagari script

ततस् तान् स मुनीन् प्रीतः प्रत्युवाच महेश्वरः प्रीतो ऽस्मि तपसा युष्मान् वरं वृणुत सुव्रताः

Transliteration

tatas tān sa munīn prītaḥ pratyuvāca maheśvaraḥ prīto 'smi tapasā yuṣmān varaṃ vṛṇuta suvratāḥ

Translation

Pagkaraan, si Maheśvara, ang Mahādeva, na nalugod, ay sumagot sa mga pantas na iyon: “Dahil sa inyong tapas, ako’y nasiyahan sa inyo. O kayong may mararangal na panata, pumili kayo ng isang biyaya.”

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then

• tān: those

• saḥ: he

• munīn: sages

• prītaḥ: pleased, gratified

• pratyuvāca: replied, spoke in response

• maheśvaraḥ: the Great Lord (Śiva, Pati)

• prītaḥ asmi: I am pleased

• tapasā: by austerity, spiritual heat

• yuṣmān: with you / toward you

• varam: a boon

• vṛṇuta: choose, ask for

• suvratāḥ: O possessors of good vows (disciplined ascetics)

Speaker

Shiva (Maheshvara)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Sages (Munis)

FAQs

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

It shows that Śiva, the Pati, is directly pleased by disciplined tapas and grants anugraha (grace) through boons—implying that sincere sādhanā and vrata are central to fruitful Linga-upāsanā.

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

Śiva is portrayed as Maheśvara—an aware, responsive Lord who bestows grace when the pashu (individual soul) purifies itself through tapas, indicating the Pati’s sovereignty and compassion.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Tapas and suvrata (strict vows) are highlighted as core disciplines—aligned with Pāśupata-oriented sādhanā where inner heat, restraint, and devotion prepare the aspirant for Śiva’s blessing.