Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 26

सोमवर्णनम्

Graha–Ratha–Aśva Varṇana, Dhruva-Nibaddha Gati, Maṇḍala-Pramāṇa, Graha-Arcana

Devanagari script

ज्योतिषां गतियोगेन सूर्यस्य तमसा वृतः समानकालास्तमयौ विषुवत्सु समोदयौ

Transliteration

jyotiṣāṃ gatiyogena sūryasya tamasā vṛtaḥ samānakālāstamayau viṣuvatsu samodayau

Translation

Sa pagkakatugma ng paglalakbay ng mga tanglaw sa langit, ang Araw ay natatakpan ng dilim; at sa mga panahong equinox (viṣuvat), ang paglubog at pagsikat ay nagaganap nang magkasing-sukat at magkasing-oras—ipinapakita ang maayos na pamamahala ng Panginoon sa panahon, sa pamamagitan ng batas kosmiko na naggagapos sa paśu sa mga sukat na siklo.

Word by Word

• jyotiṣām: of the luminaries (celestial lights)

• gati-yogena: by the conjunction/coordination of their motions

• sūryasya: of the Sun

• tamasā: by darkness

• vṛtaḥ: covered/veiled

• samāna-kāla: of equal time

• astamayau: the two settings (or setting-times)

• viṣuvatsu: at the equinoxes

• sama-odayau: the two risings (or rising-times) are equal

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Surya

FAQs

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

It frames time (kāla) and celestial regularity as a governed order; Linga worship aligns the devotee (pashu) with Shiva as Pati, the stabilizing principle behind cosmic rhythms used for vrata, puja timing, and observances.

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

Though Shiva is not named, the verse implies an intelligent, law-like governance of cosmic motion; in Shaiva Siddhanta terms, Shiva as Pati remains transcendent while regulating kāla and niyati that condition embodied souls.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It points to choosing auspicious timings (especially equinox balance) for vrata and Shiva-puja, and yogically to observing the equalizing rhythms of breath and mind to loosen pasha (bondage) through disciplined practice.