Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 12

भुवनकोशस्वभाववर्णनम् — सप्तद्वीप-पर्वत-लोकविन्यासः तथा यक्ष-उमा-प्रकाशः

Devanagari script

प्रार्थितश् च महादेवो निवासार्थं सहांबया अविमुक्तादुपागम्य चक्रे वासं स मन्दरे

Transliteration

prārthitaś ca mahādevo nivāsārthaṃ sahāṃbayā avimuktādupāgamya cakre vāsaṃ sa mandare

Translation

应众祈请求一处住处，大天尊摩诃提婆与安芭同来，自阿毗穆克多而至，于曼陀罗山安立其居所。

Word by Word

• प्रार्थितः: having been entreated/requested

• च: and

• महादेवः: Mahādeva (Śiva)

• निवासार्थम्: for the purpose of residence/abode

• सह-अम्बया: together with Ambā (Pārvatī/Śakti)

• अविमुक्तात्: from Avimukta (the never-abandoned sacred region)

• उपागम्य: having approached/come

• चक्रे: made/established

• वासम्: residence/dwelling

• सः: he

• मन्दरे: on Mandara (mountain).

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Ambā (Parvati/Shakti)
• Avimukta
• Mandara

FAQs

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

It frames Shiva’s “abiding presence” as a consecrated reality: when Mahādeva chooses a seat of residence with Śakti, that place becomes fit for Linga-pratiṣṭhā and worship, since the Linga signifies Pati’s accessible presence for the pashu (devotee).

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

Shiva appears as Pati who is free yet compassionate—moving by grace in response to prayer. His coming “with Ambā” indicates Shiva-tattva is inseparable from Śakti, through whom bondage (pāśa) is loosened and liberation becomes attainable.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse highlights the sanctification of space (kṣetra-śuddhi) through Shiva’s presence—supporting pilgrimage, residence-near-a-shrine disciplines, and Pāśupata-style devotion where the aspirant (pashu) seeks proximity to Pati in a consecrated abode.