Shloka 3

Adhyaya 50 — देवपुर्यः, पुराणि, आयतनानि च; श्रीकण्ठाधिपत्य-प्रतिपादनम्

Devanagari script

नीलकानां पुराण्याहुर् अष्टषष्टिर्द्विजोत्तमाः महानीले ऽपि शैलेन्द्रे पुराणि दश पञ्च च

Transliteration

nīlakānāṃ purāṇyāhur aṣṭaṣaṣṭirdvijottamāḥ mahānīle 'pi śailendre purāṇi daśa pañca ca

Translation

Hỡi bậc tối thượng trong hàng hai lần sinh, người ta nói rằng các Nīlakaṇṭha có sáu mươi tám bộ Purāṇa cổ. Và trên ngọn núi chúa Mahānīla cũng có mười lăm bộ Purāṇa.

Word by Word

• nīlakānām: of the Nīlakaṇas (the blue-throated ones / those associated with Nīlakaṇṭha)

• purāṇi: Purāṇas, ancient sacred texts

• āhuḥ: they say, they declare

• aṣṭa-ṣaṣṭiḥ: sixty-eight

• dvija-uttamāḥ: O best of the twice-born (excellent Brāhmaṇas)

• mahā-nīle: on/at Mahānīla (the Great Nīla)

• api: also, indeed

• śaila-indre: on the lord of mountains (mountain-king)

• purāṇi: Purāṇas

• daśa: ten

• pañca: five

• ca: and.

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Nilakantha
• Mahanila

FAQs

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

It grounds Linga-centered Shaiva teaching in a recognized Purāṇic corpus, emphasizing that devotion to Pati (Śiva) is supported by an extensive, authoritative scriptural tradition.

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

By invoking “Nīlakaṇṭha,” it points to Śiva’s compassionate mastery over poison and bondage—Pati who contains and transforms the world’s negativity, protecting pashus (souls) from pasha (bondage).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

No specific rite is prescribed; the takeaway is scriptural orientation—using Purāṇic recitation, study (svādhyāya), and transmission as supports for Shaiva sādhanā and Pāśupata-aligned discipline.