Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 25

उपलेपनादिकथनम्

Vastraputa-jala, Ahimsa, and Conduct in Shiva Worship

Devanagari script

ये भक्ता देवदेवस्य शिवस्य परमेष्ठिनः भाग्यवन्तो विमुच्यन्ते भुक्त्वा भोगानिहैव ते

Transliteration

ye bhaktā devadevasya śivasya parameṣṭhinaḥ bhāgyavanto vimucyante bhuktvā bhogānihaiva te

Translation

凡为湿婆之奉爱者——诸神之神、至上主宰——实为有福之人。他们在此世享受应得的果报与体验之后，便从系缚中解脱，证得解脱（mokṣa）。

Word by Word

• ये (ye): those who

• भक्ता (bhaktāḥ): devotees

• देवदेवस्य (devadevasya): of the God of gods

• शिवस्य (śivasya): of Śiva

• परमेष्ठिनः (parameṣṭhinaḥ): of the Supreme Lord / the Highest Ruler

• भाग्यवन्तः (bhāgyavantaḥ): fortunate, blessed

• विमुच्यन्ते (vimucyante): are freed, are liberated

• भुक्त्वा (bhuktvā): having experienced/enjoyed

• भोगानि (bhogāni): enjoyments, experiences (karma-fruits)

• इह (iha): here (in this world)

• एव (eva): indeed, certainly

• ते (te): they

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It states the phala (result) of devotion to Devadeva Śiva: the bhakta, as a pashu sheltered by Pati, undergoes necessary karma-fruits (bhoga) and is then released from bondage (pāśa), implying Linga-centered devotion culminates in mokṣa.

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

Śiva is presented as Devadeva and Parameṣṭhin—the supreme Pati who alone can grant vimukti (release), indicating His lordship over both worldly experience and final liberation.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

No single rite is named, but the verse emphasizes Śiva-bhakti as the core sādhanā—aligned with Pāśupata orientation—where devotion matures, karma is exhausted through lived bhoga, and liberation follows by Śiva’s grace.