Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 160

वासिष्ठकथनम् (आदित्य–सोमवंशवर्णनम् तथा रुद्रसहस्रनाम-प्रशंसा)

Devanagari script

देवासुरगुरुर् देवो देवासुरनमस्कृतः देवासुरमहामात्रो देवासुरगणाश्रयः

Transliteration

devāsuragurur devo devāsuranamaskṛtaḥ devāsuramahāmātro devāsuragaṇāśrayaḥ

Translation

祂是神，是天神与阿修罗共同的上师（Guru）；为天神与阿修罗同样礼敬顶礼。祂是统摄天神与阿修罗的至上权能，如大臣之力；亦是一切天神与阿修罗众的归依处。

Word by Word

• devaḥ: the Divine Lord (Shiva)

• devāsura-guruḥ: teacher/preceptor of Devas and Asuras

• devāsura-namaskṛtaḥ: saluted by Devas and Asuras

• devāsura-mahā-mātraḥ: the great authority/prime ministerial power among Devas and Asuras

• devāsura-gaṇa-āśrayaḥ: the shelter/refuge of the groups (gaṇas) of Devas and Asuras

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating a Shiva-stuti within the Linga Purana’s chapter context)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Devas
• Asuras

FAQs

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

It establishes Shiva as the universal refuge and authority for all beings—Devas and Asuras—supporting Linga-worship as surrender to Pati beyond factional divisions, seeking protection and right order (dharma).

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

Shiva-tattva is presented as transcendent and impartial: the Guru and shelter of all hosts, indicating the Lord as Pati who governs and uplifts pashus (souls) regardless of their outward alignment, dissolving pasha through grace and right guidance.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The key practice implied is śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) expressed through namaskāra and stuti—devotional surrender that aligns the pashu to Pati, foundational to Shaiva puja and supportive of Pashupata-oriented discipline.