Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 13

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

Devanagari script

ताडयन्ति द्विजेन्द्रांश् च शूद्रा वै स्वल्पबुद्धयः आस्ये निधाय वै हस्तं कर्णं शूद्रस्य वै द्विजाः

Transliteration

tāḍayanti dvijendrāṃś ca śūdrā vai svalpabuddhayaḥ āsye nidhāya vai hastaṃ karṇaṃ śūdrasya vai dvijāḥ

Translation

Ang mga Śūdra na salat ang isip ay nananakit maging sa pinakadakila sa mga dvija. At ang mga dvija, inilalagay ang kamay sa bibig, ay bumubulong sa tainga ng Śūdra—ganyan ang inilalarawan na asal.

Word by Word

• ताडयन्ति: they strike/beat

• द्विजेन्द्रान्: the best among the twice-born (Brahmins etc.)

• च: and

• शूद्राः: Śūdras

• वै: indeed

• स्वल्पबुद्धयः: of little understanding

• आस्ये: on the mouth/at the mouth

• निधाय: having placed

• वै: indeed

• हस्तम्: the hand

• कर्णम्: into the ear

• शूद्रस्य: of the Śūdra

• वै: indeed

• द्विजाः: the twice-born

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Purāṇic teaching on dharma within the Linga Purana’s discourse)

FAQs

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

It frames outer conduct (ācāra)—especially restraint and careful speech—as a support for inner purity (śuddhi), which is foundational for effective Śiva-bhakti and Linga-pūjā.

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

Indirectly: it implies that approach to Pati (Śiva) requires discipline that loosens pasha (bondage) created by impulsive action and speech; ethical order becomes a preparatory means toward Śiva-realization.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Control of speech and discreet instruction—an aspect of yama-like restraint—supports Pāśupata-oriented self-regulation, making the practitioner fit for mantra, puja, and contemplation.