Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 18

Devas Praise Śiva; Gaṇeśa Manifests as Vighneśvara and Receives the Primacy of Worship

Devanagari script

वर्णाच्च्युतानां नारीणां नराणां नरपुङ्गव स्वधर्मरहितानां च प्राणानपहर प्रभो

Transliteration

varṇāccyutānāṃ nārīṇāṃ narāṇāṃ narapuṅgava svadharmarahitānāṃ ca prāṇānapahara prabho

Translation

噫，主宰，人中雄牛！请夺去那些妇女与男子之生命之息——他们已从所定本分之位坠落，并失却自身之自性法（svadharma）。

Word by Word

• वर्णाच्च्युतानाम्: of those fallen from varṇa/ordered discipline

• नारीणाम्: of women

• नराणाम्: of men

• नरपुङ्गव: O bull among men (best of men)

• स्वधर्मरहितानाम्: of those devoid of sva-dharma (one’s rightful duty)

• च: and

• प्राणान्: the life-breaths, vital energies

• अपहर: take away, withdraw

• प्रभो: O Lord, O Master

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating an internal supplication addressed to the Lord, consistent with Purāṇic dialogue flow)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It frames Shiva as Pati—the sovereign of prāṇa—who upholds cosmic order; Linga-worship is thus not merely devotional but a commitment to dharma and inner discipline.

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

Shiva-tattva appears as the Lord who both sustains and withdraws life-force; as Pati he governs the pashus (souls) through karma and dharma, loosening or tightening pasha (bondage) according to conduct.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse emphasizes svadharma as a prerequisite for Shaiva sadhana; in Pashupata-aligned practice, ethical restraint and dharmic living are foundational before higher puja, japa, and yogic disciplines.