Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 46

Adhyaya 44: Nandikesvara’s Manifestation and Abhisheka; The Rule of Namaskara in Shiva-Nama

Devanagari script

अथाज्ञां प्रददौ तेषाम् अर्हाणाम् आज्ञया विभोः नन्दिको नगजाभर्तुस् तेषां पाशुपतीं शुभाम्

Transliteration

athājñāṃ pradadau teṣām arhāṇām ājñayā vibhoḥ nandiko nagajābhartus teṣāṃ pāśupatīṃ śubhām

Translation

随后，依遍一切之主的圣命，难提（Nandī）赐予那些可敬者以指令，授与他们吉祥的“帕舒帕塔权威”——即山女神之主（湿婆，帕尔瓦蒂之夫）的圣权。

Word by Word

• atha: then

• ājñām: command/directive

• pradadau: gave/bestowed

• teṣām: to them/of them

• arhāṇām: of the worthy/venerable ones

• ājñayā: by the order

• vibhoḥ: of the all-pervading Lord

• nandikaḥ (nandiko): Nandī/Nandin

• nagajā-bhartuḥ: of the husband of Nagajā (Pārvatī), i.e., Śiva

• teṣām: for them

• pāśupatīm: Pāśupata (lordship/authority/teaching pertaining to Paśupati)

• śubhām: auspicious/beneficial.

Speaker

Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the Purāṇic account; internal action attributed to Nandin under Śiva’s command)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Nandin
• Parvati

FAQs

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

It grounds Śaiva practice in ājñā (Śiva’s command): Nandin transmits the Lord’s directive, legitimizing Pāśupata-oriented worship and discipline as Śiva-authorized rather than merely human-made.

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

Śiva is implied as Vibhu (all-pervading Pati) and as Paśupati—Lord over paśus (souls) and pāśas (bondages)—whose will is mediated through Nandin, showing transcendence with immanent governance.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse points to the Pāśupata stream—initiation/authorization and disciplined observance under a Śaiva lineage—where practice proceeds by Śiva’s injunction transmitted through his gaṇa-leader Nandin.