Shloka 53
Bhāratavarṣa–Navabheda-Vyavasthā
The Nine Divisions of Bhāratavarṣa and Its Sacred Geography
पृष्ठतोऽस्तगिरिश्चैव ह्यविकेशश्च केसरी । शाकस्तत्र महावृक्षस्सिद्धगंधर्वसेवितः
pṛṣṭhato'stagiriścaiva hyavikeśaśca kesarī | śākastatra mahāvṛkṣassiddhagaṃdharvasevitaḥ
其后屹立着阿斯陀山（Asta），又有名为阿毗计沙（Avikeśa）的狮子。在那地方生长着一株宏伟的娑迦树（Śāka），为悉达（Siddha）与乾闼婆（Gandharva）所侍奉与礼敬。
Suta Goswami
Sthala Purana: Cosmographic detailing: Asta mountain ‘behind’, a lion named Avikeśa, and a great Śāka tree revered by Siddhas and Gandharvas. No Jyotirliṅga origin is stated.
Significance: Evokes a sacral ecology: holy landscape populated by siddhas/gandharvas; such settings imply heightened puṇya and proximity to divine presence.
Offering: pushpa
Cosmic Event: Mythic geography populated by semi-divine beings (siddhas, gandharvas) typical of Purāṇic loka-descriptions.
FAQs
The verse marks the site as divinely charged: mountains, sacred trees, and celestial attendants indicate a kṣetra where devotion ripens quickly. In Shaiva understanding, such sanctified space supports bhakti and inner purity, preparing the seeker for Shiva’s grace.
Although the Linga is not named here, the presence of Siddhas and Gandharvas functions as a narrative sign of a Shiva-kṣetra where Saguna Shiva worship is naturally established. Such descriptions commonly frame the setting for Linga worship, vrata, and darśana in the Purana.
The practical takeaway is kṣetra-sevā: visiting or mentally contemplating the holy place with reverence, coupled with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya). One may also perform simple offerings under a sacred tree—water, bilva, or lamps—while maintaining Shaiva purity and devotion.