Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 10

विष्णुरुवाच—एकाक्षर-प्रणव-लिङ्ग-व्याप्ति-शिवस्तोत्रम्

Devanagari script

अनन्ताय विरूपाय अनन्तानामयाय च शाश्वताय वरिष्ठाय वारिगर्भाय योगिने

Transliteration

anantāya virūpāya anantānāmayāya ca śāśvatāya variṣṭhāya vārigarbhāya yogine

Translation

顶礼于无尽者；顶礼于具无量形相之主。顶礼于离一切无始烦恼者。顶礼于常住者、至上者。顶礼于内含宇宙诸水之怀藏者。顶礼于大瑜伽行者——湿婆，众生之主（Pati），解脱诸缚生（paśu）脱离缚索（pāśa）者。

Word by Word

• अनन्ताय: to the Infinite

• विरूपाय: to the multiform/transcending fixed form

• अनन्त-अनामयाय: to the One who is endlessly free from disease/affliction (āmaya)

• च: and

• शाश्वताय: to the Eternal

• वरिष्ठाय: to the Supreme/Most excellent

• वारि-गर्भाय: to the One whose womb/inner essence contains the waters (cosmic waters)

• योगिने: to the Yogi (master of Yoga).

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating a traditional hymn of praise within the Purva-Bhaga context)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

This verse functions as a nāma-stuti used in Linga-pūjā: by praising Śiva as Ananta, Śāśvata, and Yogin, the devotee aligns the mind with the formless yet all-pervading Linga-tattva, making worship an inward offering rather than mere external rite.

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

Śiva is portrayed as Pati—the Infinite and Eternal reality—who is beyond fixed form (virūpa) yet manifests innumerable forms, untouched by āmaya (afflictive limitation), and established in yogic sovereignty, the ground of liberation for the paśu bound by pāśa.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Nama-japa and dhyāna are implied: repeating these epithets during Linga-pūjā supports Pāśupata-oriented inner yoga—stilling vṛttis, contemplating Śiva as the supreme Yogin, and seeking release from pāśa through devotion and disciplined awareness.