Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 25

शिवार्चनविधिः — देवतानां पाशुपतव्रतप्राप्तिः तथा पशुपाशविमोक्षणम् (अध्याय ८०)

Devanagari script

गोपुरैर्गोपतेः शंभोर् नानाभूषणभूषितैः अनेकैः सर्वतोभद्रैः सर्वरत्नमयैस् तथा

Transliteration

gopurairgopateḥ śaṃbhor nānābhūṣaṇabhūṣitaiḥ anekaiḥ sarvatobhadraiḥ sarvaratnamayais tathā

Translation

Ito’y pinalamutian ng maraming gopura ni Śambhu, ang Panginoon at Tagapangalaga—ginayakan ng sari-saring alahas; napakarami, mapalad sa bawat panig, at yari rin nang lubos sa lahat ng uri ng hiyas.

Word by Word

• गोपुरैः: with gopuras (towered gateways)

• गोपतेः: of the Lord/Protector (Gopati)

• शंभोः: of Śambhu (Śiva)

• नाना: various

• भूषण: ornaments

• भूषितैः: adorned/decorated

• अनेकैः: with many

• सर्वतोभद्रैः: auspicious/beautiful on all sides

• सर्वरत्नमयैः: made of all gems

• तथा: and also/likewise

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya, describing Shiva’s divine splendor within the broader Linga Purana narration)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

By depicting Śiva’s gem-filled, auspicious gopuras, the verse frames Linga worship as entering a consecrated field of śivam (auspicious reality), where the devotee approaches Pati (Śiva) through ordered, sanctified space.

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

Śiva is presented as Śambhu and Gopati—the auspicious Lord and Protector—implying His role as Pati who shelters and uplifts the bound soul (paśu) beyond bondage (pāśa).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse primarily supports pūjā-vidhi through temple symbolism: approaching the sanctum via auspicious gateways mirrors the yogic movement from outer supports to inner steadiness, culminating in focused worship of the Linga.