Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 11

Adhyaya 40: Kali-yuga Lakshana, Yuga-sandhyamsha, and the Re-emergence of Dharma

Devanagari script

अरक्षितारो हर्तारः पार्थिवाश् च शिलाशन शूद्रा वै ज्ञानिनः सर्वे ब्राह्मणैरभिवन्दिताः

Transliteration

arakṣitāro hartāraḥ pārthivāś ca śilāśana śūdrā vai jñāninaḥ sarve brāhmaṇairabhivanditāḥ

Translation

Sa panahon ng Kali, ang mga hari ay hindi na magiging tagapagtanggol kundi mga mandarambong; mamumuhay sila na tila kumakain ng bato. At ang mga Śūdra ay ituturing na marurunong, igagalang at babatiin nang may pagpupugay kahit ng mga Brāhmaṇa.

Word by Word

• arakṣitāraḥ: non-protectors (those who fail to guard subjects)

• hartāraḥ: robbers/plunderers

• pārthivāḥ: kings/rulers

• ca: and

• śilāśanāḥ: stone-eaters (hard-hearted, living without refinement/dharma)

• śūdrāḥ: Śūdras

• vai: indeed

• jñāninaḥ: learned/knowers

• sarve: all

• brāhmaṇaiḥ: by Brāhmaṇas

• abhivanditāḥ: saluted/revered

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

FAQs

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

It frames Kali-yuga as a time of intensified pasha (bondage)—social and political disorder—thereby implying the need for steadiness in Shiva-bhakti and linga-puja as a dharmic anchor for the pashu seeking refuge in Pati (Shiva).

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

Indirectly, by depicting the collapse of worldly protectors, it points to Shiva alone as the true Pati—unfailing guardian beyond social status—toward whom the bound soul must turn when external supports become unreliable.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

No specific rite is named; the takeaway is vairagya and dharma-viveka—key supports for Shaiva sadhana such as pashupata-oriented discipline and regular Shiva-puja amid Kali-yuga confusion.