327 - The greatness of establishing a linga and worship with the accessories

The Lord said: 

1-5. The austerities are completed after having worshipped Satya and others, the presiding deities of austere observances. Arishța, the lord of the thread (of a rosary) is capable of nullifying misfortune. (A string) having golden and gem (beads) (confers) fortune. (A string) (containing beads made of) great conches is for causing death. (A rosary) (containing) conch-shells is for a charm (while) that one (having) pearl beads increases progeny. (A rosary having) crystal (beads) confers fortune. (A rosary having) rudrāksha confers emancipation. A rudrāksha of the size of a dhātri fruit is excellent. The mental repetition (may be done) with the central bead or without the central bead in the string. The repetitionshould be done using the ring finger and the thumb. While doing so oneshould not cross the central bead. When the rosary has fallen down by inistake, oneshould repeat (the formula) two hundred times. 

6-7a. A bell possesses (the sounds of) all the instruments. Hence sounding it confers wealth. The linga (the emblem denoting lord Siva) and the abode (of the deity)should be cleansed with cowdung, cow's urine, earth from the ant-hill, ashes and water. 

7b-10a. O Skanda! The formula 'Obeisance to (lord) Siva' is capable of accomplishing all things. These five syllables are commended in the Vedas. The six syllables¹ are commended in the world. Lord Sambhu (Siva) is present at the end of 'Om' like the seed of a holy) fig tree as a seal. It is known that 'Obeisance to Siva' is the designation of Iśhäna and others in order. One would acquire the collection of formulae by repeating the six syllables. 'Om obeisance to Siva' is the excellent formula. 

1. The five syllables with the syllable om. 

10b-12. (The votary)should worship the linga with this (formula) since (lord) Śiva dwells in the linga for the sake of conferring His favour on the people and since He is the conferer of virtues, desires, wealth and emancipation. A person who does not worship the linga does not become a fit person to get virtues etc. One would get enjoyment and emancipation by worshipping the linga. Hence oneshould worship (Him) so long as he lives. Oneshould never cat without worshipping Him. It is better to discard one's life (than not to worship Him). 

13. (One would become) Rudra by worshipping Rudra, Vishņu by worshipping Vishnu, Sürya by worshipping Sürya and the goddess etc. by worshipping the goddess. 

14. One would acquire a crore times more benefits by establishing the linga than what one would acquire by doing sacrificial rites, penances and offering gifts, visiting sacred places and reading the Vedas. 

15. One who worships the earthen linga during the three twilights with bilva, would redeem one hundred and eleven generations of his family and would attain heaven. 

16. A personshould build a temple according to his capacity. The small or big (temple) (built) by a poor or a rich person would have equal benefit. 

17. On account of the transitory nature of one's life oneshould set apart two parts (of his wealth) for the sake of virtuous deeds and one part of the wealth for maintaining his life. 

18. A person who builds a temple would redeem twentyone generations of his family and gain wealth. One would get manifold benefits (by building a temple) with earth, wood, brick and stone etc. 

19. A person who builds a temple of God with eight bricks, would reach heaven. Even one who builds a temple with dust in sport would acquire wealth.