Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 24

Adhyaya 75: Nishkala–Sakala Shiva, Twofold Linga, and the Supremacy of Dhyana-Yajna

Devanagari script

व्योमैकमपि दृष्टं हि शरावं प्रति सुव्रताः पृथक्त्वं चापृथक्त्वं च शङ्करस्येति चापरे

Transliteration

vyomaikamapi dṛṣṭaṃ hi śarāvaṃ prati suvratāḥ pṛthaktvaṃ cāpṛthaktvaṃ ca śaṅkarasyeti cāpare

Translation

噢持戒坚固者，正如虚空本是一体，却因与钵相对而似乎被分割；同样，有人说圣羯罗（Śaṅkara）既有差别亦无差别——为显现之故而现分殊，而在其作为主宰（Pati）的至上真实中，终究不二不异。

Word by Word

• vyoma: sky/space

• ekam api: even though one

• dṛṣṭam hi: is indeed seen/perceived

• śarāvam prati: with reference to a bowl (container)

• suvratāḥ: O virtuous/steadfast ones

• pṛthaktvam: separateness/distinction

• ca: and

• apṛthaktvam: non-separateness/non-difference

• ca: and

• śaṅkarasya: of Śaṅkara (Shiva)

• iti: thus

• ca: and

• apare: others (some teachers/thinkers)

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It frames Linga worship as contemplation of the One Pati (Śiva) who appears as many forms without truly being divided—like space seeming partitioned by a vessel—so the Linga becomes a focus for realizing unity within apparent multiplicity.

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

Śiva is presented as simultaneously bheda (experienced as distinct in names, forms, and functions) and abheda (non-different, indivisible Reality). The distinction is experiential and contextual, not an ultimate fragmentation of Śiva.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A contemplative practice aligned with Pāśupata-oriented insight: during pūjā and japa, one trains the mind to see that apparent divisions (self/world/deity) are like ‘space in a pot’—useful for practice, but not ultimate in truth.