Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 31

Shivamurti–Pratishtha Phala: Shivalaya-Nirmana, Kshetra-Mahatmya, Tirtha-Snana, and Mandala-Vidhi

Devanagari script

संमार्जनादिभिर् वापि सर्वान्कामानवाप्नुयात् संमार्जनं तु यः कुर्यान् मार्जन्या मृदुसूक्ष्मया

Transliteration

saṃmārjanādibhir vāpi sarvānkāmānavāpnuyāt saṃmārjanaṃ tu yaḥ kuryān mārjanyā mṛdusūkṣmayā

Translation

Sa pamamagitan ng pagwawalis at mga kaugnay na gawa ng masusing paglilingkod sa dambana, maaaring makamtan ang lahat ng ninanais. Ngunit ang nagwawalis ay dapat gumamit ng walis na malambot at pino, upang luminis ang lugar ng pagsamba nang walang pinsala o pagaspang.

Word by Word

• saṃmārjanādibhiḥ: by sweeping and similar services

• vā api: even/also

• sarvān: all

• kāmān: desired aims (worldly and spiritual)

• avāpnuyāt: may obtain

• saṃmārjanam: sweeping/cleansing

• tu: indeed

• yaḥ: whoever

• kuryāt: should do/performs

• mārjanyā: with a broom/brush

• mṛdu-sūkṣmayā: soft and finely made (gentle, subtle)

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva-puja procedures to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It elevates practical seva—especially cleaning the shrine—as a real upacara that yields fruits; purity of the worship-space supports the devotee’s approach to Pati (Shiva) and weakens pasha through disciplined conduct.

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

Shiva-tattva is approached through inner and outer purification: even simple acts like sweeping become meaningful when done with gentleness and care, reflecting reverence toward the all-pervading Pati who accepts sincere service.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Saṃmārjana (ritual cleansing of the puja area/temple precincts) as a preparatory rite—performed softly and meticulously—aligning the practitioner’s body-mind for Linga-puja and Pashupata-style discipline.