Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 15

Adhyaya 89: शौचाचारलक्षणम् — सदाचार, भैक्ष्यचर्या, प्रायश्चित्त, द्रव्यशुद्धि, आशौच-निर्णय

Devanagari script

अत ऊर्ध्वं गृहस्थेषु शीलीनेषु चरेद्द्विजाः श्रद्दधानेषु दान्तेषु श्रोत्रियेषु महात्मसु

Transliteration

ata ūrdhvaṃ gṛhastheṣu śīlīneṣu careddvijāḥ śraddadhāneṣu dānteṣu śrotriyeṣu mahātmasu

Translation

Mula rito, ang dalawang-beses-na-ipinanganak ay dapat lumibot sa mga maybahay na may mabuting asal—may pananampalataya, may pagpipigil, bihasa sa Veda (śrotriya), at dakila ang loob—upang humanap ng pakikisama at tulong sa mga karapat-dapat na lupon, na nakabubuti sa dharma at sa debosyon kay Pati, kay Śiva.

Word by Word

• ataḥ: therefore/from this

• ūrdhvam: henceforth/thereafter

• gṛhastheṣu: among householders

• śīlīneṣu: among the well-behaved/virtuous

• caret: should move about/associate/seek (support)

• dvijāḥ: the twice-born (Brāhmaṇa/Kṣatriya/Vaiśya)

• śraddadhāneṣu: among the faithful/those endowed with śraddhā

• dānteṣu: among the self-controlled/disciplining the senses

• śrotriyeṣu: among Veda-learned orthodox scholars

• mahātmasu: among great-souled noble persons.

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the Linga Purana to the sages of Naimisharanya)

FAQs

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

It directs the dvija to seek the company and support of virtuous, faithful, self-controlled Veda-knowing householders—an environment that sustains daily Shiva-oriented dharma, purity, and the right conditions for Linga-puja to bear fruit.

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

Indirectly, it frames the path to Pati (Śiva) as requiring śraddhā, sense-restraint, and right association; the Pashu (soul) loosens pāśa (bondage) not by mere status, but by inner discipline and dharmic alignment supportive of devotion.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Satsanga and disciplined conduct (dama/śīla) are emphasized as practical supports for dharma and Shaiva observance; while not naming a specific rite, it underlines the preparatory yogic ethics that make puja, japa, and vrata effective.