Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 31

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

Devanagari script

निष्कलं प्रथमं चैकं ततः सकलनिष्कलम् तृतीयं सकलं चैव नान्यथेति द्विजोत्तमाः

Transliteration

niṣkalaṃ prathamaṃ caikaṃ tataḥ sakalaniṣkalam tṛtīyaṃ sakalaṃ caiva nānyatheti dvijottamāḥ

Translation

噢，二生中之最胜者：第一为唯一无分之实在（niṣkala）；其次为具相而又离相（sakala–niṣkala）；第三为全然具相（sakala）。除此别无他途。

Word by Word

• निष्कलम्: partless, without divisions, attributeless (nirguṇa)

• प्रथमम्: first

• च: and

• एकम्: one, non-dual

• ततः: then/thereafter

• सकलनिष्कलम्: both with parts (form) and partless (beyond form)

• तृतीयम्: third

• सकलम्: with parts, with form/attributes (saguṇa)

• चैव: and indeed

• न: not

• अन्यथा: otherwise

• इति: thus

• द्विजोत्तमाः: O best of the twice-born (brahmins/sages)

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva-tattva classification 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 a graded approach: the Linga can be contemplated as the formless Absolute (niṣkala), as the mysteriously both (sakala–niṣkala), and as the manifest Lord with attributes (sakala), guiding the devotee from symbol to Supreme.

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

Shiva as Pati is taught in three modes—transcendent and partless, simultaneously transcendent-immanent, and fully immanent with form—so the same Lord can be realized beyond guṇas yet accessible through name, form, and grace.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It supports a meditative sequence used in Shaiva and Pashupata-oriented practice: begin with niṣkala dhyāna (formless absorption), integrate sakala–niṣkala contemplation in the Linga, and culminate in sakala upāsanā through pūjā, mantra, and devotional service.