Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 117

Adhyaya 71: पुरत्रयवृत्तान्तः—ब्रह्मवरदानम्, मयकृतत्रिपुर-निर्माणम्, विष्णुमाया-धर्मविघ्नः, शिवस्तुति, त्रिपुरदाहोपक्रमः

Devanagari script

प्राह गंभीरया वाचा देवानालोक्य शङ्करः ज्ञातं मयेदमधुना देवकार्यं सुरेश्वराः

Transliteration

prāha gaṃbhīrayā vācā devānālokya śaṅkaraḥ jñātaṃ mayedamadhunā devakāryaṃ sureśvarāḥ

Translation

Pagkaraan, tiningnan ni Śaṅkara ang mga Deva at nagsalita sa malalim na tinig: “O mga panginoon ng mga Sura, ngayo’y nauunawaan Ko na ang banal na gawain na dapat maisakatuparan.”

Word by Word

• प्राह: said

• गंभीरया: deep, grave

• वाचा: with speech/voice

• देवान्: the Devas

• आलोक्य: having looked at/observed

• शङ्करः: Śaṅkara (Śiva)

• ज्ञातम्: known/understood

• मया: by me

• इदम्: this

• अधुना: now

• देवकार्यं: the work/task of the gods (divine mission)

• सुरेश्वराः: O lords of the Suras (address to the Devas)

Speaker

Shiva (Śaṅkara)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Devas

FAQs

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

It frames Śiva as the decisive Pati who recognizes and directs the Devas’ sacred mission—an authority that underlies why Linga-pūjā is approached as service to the supreme governor of all divine functions.

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

Śiva is shown as the all-knowing Pati: by merely observing the Devas, he comprehends the required cosmic action, emphasizing his sovereignty and unfailing awareness that guides dharma and restores order.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

No specific rite is stated, but the verse implies Pāśupata orientation: surrender to Pati’s will and receiving his directive—an inner discipline foundational to both Pāśupata-yoga and purpose-driven pūjā.