Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 25

Adhyaya 61 — ग्रह-नक्षत्र-स्थाननिर्णयः

Cosmic Abodes of Luminaries and the Shaiva Order of Time

Devanagari script

अष्टरश्मिगृहं चापि प्रोक्तं कृष्णं शनैश्चरे स्वर्भानोस्तामसं स्थानं भूतसंतापनालयम्

Transliteration

aṣṭaraśmigṛhaṃ cāpi proktaṃ kṛṣṇaṃ śanaiścare svarbhānostāmasaṃ sthānaṃ bhūtasaṃtāpanālayam

Translation

具八道光芒之居处，亦被宣说为属于善耐湿遮罗（Śanaiścara，土星），其色幽暗。至于斯瓦尔婆奴（Svarbhānu，罗睺）之所居，则被称为“昏暗性（tāmasa）”之境——令众生受苦恼之处。

Word by Word

• aṣṭa-raśmi-gṛham: the house/abode with eight rays

• ca api: and also

• proktam: is declared/said

• kṛṣṇam: dark, black-hued

• śanaiścare: in/for Śanaiścara (Saturn)

• svarbhānoḥ: of Svarbhānu (Rāhu)

• tāmasam: belonging to tamas, darkness/inertia

• sthānam: place, realm

• bhūta: beings/creatures

• saṃtāpana: afflicting, causing heat/pain

• ālayam: abode, dwelling

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating cosmological details to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shani (Śanaiścara)
• Rahu (Svarbhānu)

FAQs

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

By describing tamasic and afflictive realms linked with graha-forces, the verse implies the devotee’s need for Śiva (Pati) as the liberator who cuts pasha (bondage) and grants protection beyond planetary suffering—hence strengthening the purpose of Linga-upāsanā as a refuge.

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

Indirectly, it contrasts tamasic, affliction-producing domains with the transcendence sought in Śiva-tattva: Śiva as Pati is beyond the grahas and guṇas, and through his grace the pashu (soul) rises above tamas and its painful results.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse points to a practical Shaiva takeaway: cultivate sattva through Pāśupata-oriented discipline (japa, purity, restraint) and seek Mahādeva’s grace via Linga-pūjā for overcoming tamasic afflictions associated with graha influences.