Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 53

Adhyaya 89: शौचाचारलक्षणम् — सदाचार, भैक्ष्यचर्या, प्रायश्चित्त, द्रव्यशुद्धि, आशौच-निर्णय

Devanagari script

नमस्कारादिकं सर्वं गुरुशुश्रूषणादिकम् वस्त्रशौचविहीनात्मा ह्य् अशुचिर्नात्र संशयः

Transliteration

namaskārādikaṃ sarvaṃ guruśuśrūṣaṇādikam vastraśaucavihīnātmā hy aśucirnātra saṃśayaḥ

Translation

凡礼拜、顶礼等一切行持，乃至侍奉上师（Guru）等事亦然：若其行止缺乏衣服清净者，实为不净，毫无疑问。对求取主宰Pati（湿婆Śiva）恩典的兽灵pashu（被缚之魂）而言，外在洁净与内在清净相辅相成，使其堪任湿婆供养（Śiva-pūjā）与帕修帕塔（Pāśupata）之行法。

Word by Word

• नमस्कारादिकम्: salutations and related rites

• सर्वम्: all

• गुरुशुश्रूषणादिकम्: service to the Guru and similar duties

• वस्त्रशौच: purity/cleanliness of garments

• विहीनात्मा: one whose disposition/practice is devoid (of that)

• हि: indeed

• अशुचिः: impure

• न अत्र: not here/ in this matter

• संशयः: doubt

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It states that even devotional acts like namaskāra and guru-sevā lose ritual efficacy if the worshipper neglects basic śauca—especially clean garments—thereby stressing eligibility (adhikāra) for Liṅga-pūjā.

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

By implication, Śiva as Pati is approached through ordered discipline: purity and restraint refine the Pashu and reduce pasha-like impurities, making the aspirant fit for Śiva’s grace.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Śauca as a foundational observance—clean clothing and bodily purity—supporting proper Śiva-pūjā and the preparatory discipline aligned with Pāśupata practice.