Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 14

क्षुपदधीचिसंवादः — शिलादतपः, वरसीमा, मेघवाहनकल्पे त्रिदेवसमागमः

Devanagari script

पुरा महेन्द्रदायादाद् गदतश्चास्य पूर्वजात् नारदाद्वै महाबाहो कथमत्राशु नो वद

Transliteration

purā mahendradāyādād gadataścāsya pūrvajāt nāradādvai mahābāho kathamatrāśu no vada

Translation

往昔，从摩诃因陀罗的族系，以及从此人更早出生的先祖处，臂力雄伟者啊，我们确曾从那罗陀（Nārada）听闻此事。请在此速为我们说明——它究竟如何成为如此？

Word by Word

• purā: formerly/once

• mahendra-dāyādāt: from Mahendra’s heir/lineage (descendant of Indra)

• gadataḥ: from one who was speaking/relating

• ca: and

• asya: of this (matter/person)

• pūrva-jāt: earlier-born progenitor/elder-born

• nāradāt: from Nārada

• vai: indeed/verily

• mahā-bāho: O mighty-armed one

• katham: how

• atra: here/in this matter

• āśu: quickly

• naḥ: to us/for us

• vada: tell/speak.

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrator), responding within the Naimisharanya dialogue frame

Characters & Entities

• Narada
• Mahendra (Indra)

FAQs

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

It establishes a chain of transmission (paramparā) for the Shaiva account—linking the teaching to Nārada and earlier authorities—so the later instructions on the Liṅga and worship are received as a reliable, tradition-backed revelation.

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

Indirectly, by emphasizing authoritative hearing (śruti-like reception) through Nārada and elders, it frames Shiva-tattva as something known through realized teachers and sacred narration, not merely speculation—consistent with Pati (Shiva) being revealed to the pashu through right knowledge.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

No specific rite is prescribed in this line; it highlights the foundational practice of śravaṇa (reverent listening) to authentic Shaiva teaching, which precedes disciplined worship (pūjā) and Pāśupata-oriented sādhanā.