Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 16

ब्रह्मणो वरप्रदानम् — शिवस्य परत्वप्रतिपादनम् तथा वराहेण भूमेः पुनःस्थापनम्

Devanagari script

एवं मुख्यादिकान् सृष्ट्वा पद्मयोनिः शिलाशन युगधर्मानशेषांश् च कल्पयामास विश्वसृक्

Transliteration

evaṃ mukhyādikān sṛṣṭvā padmayoniḥ śilāśana yugadharmānaśeṣāṃś ca kalpayāmāsa viśvasṛk

Translation

如是，先造诸般主质（Pradhāna）及其他初始众生之后，莲华所生之造物主——安坐于坚固之座——无有遗余地制定诸劫（Yuga）之法，建立诸世界的宇宙秩序。

Word by Word

• एवं (evaṁ): thus

• मुख्यादिकान् (mukhyādikān): the primary ones and others (chief categories of beings/principles)

• सृष्ट्वा (sṛṣṭvā): having created

• पद्मयोनिः (padmayoniḥ): the Lotus-born (Brahmā)

• शिलाशन (śilāśana): seated on a stone/firm seat (epithet indicating steadiness)

• युगधर्मान् (yugadharmān): the duties/laws proper to each Yuga

• अशेषान् (aśeṣān): without remainder, entirely

• च (ca): and

• कल्पयामास (kalpayāmāsa): he arranged/ordained/regulated

• विश्वसृक् (viśvasṛk): the world-maker, creator of the universe

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the creation account to the sages; internal reference to Brahma’s acts)

Characters & Entities

• Brahma

FAQs

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

It frames worship within cosmic order: Yuga-dharma is established so that beings (paśus) can follow right conduct and approach Pati (Śiva) through appropriate disciplines and rites suited to their age.

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

Though Brahmā is named as organizer, the Shaiva lens reads him as an instrument of the Supreme Pati—Śiva-tattva remains the transcendent governor, while creation and regulation proceed through delegated cosmic functions.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse highlights Yuga-appropriate dharma—implying that pūjā, vrata, and yogic disciplines (including Pāśupata-oriented restraint and devotion) must be practiced according to the ordained order of the age.