Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 11

Adhyaya 35 — दधीचि-क्षुप-युद्धम्, भार्गवोपदेशः, मृतसंजीवनी (त्र्यम्बक) मन्त्रः

Devanagari script

स्वेच्छयैव नरो भूत्वा नरपालो बभूव सः तस्माद्राजा स विप्रेन्द्रम् अजयद्वै महाबलः

Transliteration

svecchayaiva naro bhūtvā narapālo babhūva saḥ tasmādrājā sa viprendram ajayadvai mahābalaḥ

Translation

Sa sariling kalooban, siya’y naging tao at naging tagapangalaga ng mga tao (isang hari). Kaya ang haring makapangyarihan ay tunay na nanaig sa pinakadakilang Brahmin—ipinapakita ang lakas ng kapangyarihang makamundo kapag hindi pinipigil ng dharma.

Word by Word

• स्वेच्छया एव: by his own will alone

• नरः: a man

• भूत्वा: having become

• नरपालः: protector of men/king

• बभूव: became

• सः: he

• तस्मात्: therefore/from that cause

• राजा: the king

• सः: that (same) one

• विप्रेन्द्रम्: the best of Brahmins

• अजयत् वै: indeed conquered/defeated

• महाबलः: very powerful/mighty

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

FAQs

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

It contrasts mere worldly power with dharmic restraint—implying that true kingship becomes auspicious only when aligned to Pati (Shiva) through devotion and discipline, not through unchecked conquest.

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

Indirectly: it highlights the gap between human sovereignty and the supreme Lordship of Pati. In Shaiva Siddhanta, Shiva alone is truly independent (svatantra); embodied beings act under pasha unless they orient their will toward Shiva.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

No specific rite is stated, but the implied practice is Pashupata-style self-restraint and ego-purification—so that authority does not become pasha (bondage) but a dharmic service offered to Shiva.