Liṅga Purāṇa

Liṅga Purāṇa, “the Purāṇa of the liṅga”

Śiva Sahasranāma has other meanings too: see all meanings of Śiva Sahasranāma.

The Liṅga Purāṇa (लिङ्गपुराण, IAST: Liṅga-purāṇa) is one of the eighteen Mahā Purāṇas of Sanātana Dharma. It is given above all to the pūjā, philosophy and cosmology of Bhagavān Śiva, with the Liṅga at its centre: the sign of the eternal, formless Absolute. In this Purāṇa the Liṅga is not treated only as a mūrti or image; it is revealed as the source of all creation, preservation and dissolution.

Told by Agastya Ṛshi and Sūta Mahāmuni, the Liṅga Purāṇa joins Vaidika and Āgamic elements to give a full view of the world rooted in Śaiva Siddhānta and bhakti. It holds teachings on dharma, yajña, yoga, mantra-śāstra and tīrtha-māhātmya, and narratives that glorify Śiva-bhakti, ideal kingship, cosmology and moksha.

The Liṅga Purāṇa is the foremost scriptural authority of the Śaiva tradition. It sets out the supreme nature of Śiva through the sacred narrative of the appearing of the cosmic Liṅga, the handing down of Pāśupata yoga, the glories of bhasma (sacred ash), and a full cosmology grounded in Śaiva philosophy.

Like the other Purāṇas, the text is encyclopedic and covers the five standard subjects (Pañca Lakshaṇa): creation (Sarga), secondary creation after the regular destruction (Pratisarga), the genealogies of the devas and ṛshis (Vaṃśa), the cosmic cycles (Manvantara), and the histories of the dynasties (Vaṃśānucaritam). It gives strong weight to Śaiva philosophy, cosmology, rites and devotion (Bhakti). It includes detailed guides to the tīrthas, discussions of Yoga and Dharma, and many narratives that exalt the power and forms of Bhagavān Śiva and show his supremacy.

Reading or listening to the Liṅga Purāṇa is held to be a most auspicious act that grants both well-being in the world and final moksha.

Narrative frame

Sūta Mahāmuni tells the Liṅga Purāṇa to an assembly of ṛshis led by Śaunaka at Naimishāraṇya. Within the text, Nandīśvara tells Sanatkumāra the events of his own birth and his rise to Gaṇādhipati (lord of the gaṇas), weaving together cosmology, yoga-śāstra, sacred geography and devotional narrative.

Structure of the Liṅga Purāṇa

The Liṅga Purāṇa is generally set out in two main parts, or Bhāgas, which together hold about 11,000 verses (ślokas).

Pūrva Bhāga (Former Section): traditionally of 108 chapters (adhyāyas), it centres on cosmology (the beginning of creation, Sarga), the nature of the Liṅga beyond the physical, the appearing of the Jyotirliṅgas (columns of light), and the divine marriage of Śiva and Pārvatī.

Uttara Bhāga (Later Section): traditionally of 55 chapters (some manuscripts give 46), it sets out the right ways of pūjā of the Liṅga (Liṅgārcana), descriptions of various Tīrthas, rites (Vrata), ethical conduct, the forms of Yoga (above all Pāśupata Yoga), and philosophical discourses on Moksha.

A Telugu commentary on the Purāṇa, the Śiva Vijñāna Vīcikā, a Śāṅkarīya (Śaiva) exposition, covers the Pūrvārdha (first half) of the Purāṇa in fifty-one main chapters, with further chapters up to sixty-seven.

The Liṅga Purāṇa (लिङ्गपुराण, IAST: Liṅga-purāṇa) is one of the eighteen great scriptures of Sanātana Dharma known as the Mahāpurāṇas, and a principal text of the Śaiva tradition, which honours Bhagavān Śiva (Śiva) as the Supreme Being. The text’s main aim is the glorification of Śiva, above all in his formless representation as the Liṅga.

Per Agni Purāṇa, Maheśvara, present in the liṅga made of fire (agnimaya liṅga), taught the dharma of the Liṅga Purāṇa together with the accounts of the Āgneya Kalpa. It has 12,000 ślokas. One who gives it in dāna with a tila-dhenu (a “cow” made of sesame) in the month of Phālguna reaches Śivaloka (Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 272).

Per Bhāgavata Purāṇa, the Liṅga Purāṇa is the fifth in Sūta Maharshi‘s list of the eighteen Purāṇas, which runs from the Brahma to the Brahmāṇḍa. In the closing chapter of the Bhāgavata, Sūta tells the maharshis that it has 11,000 ślokas, and that the ślokas of all the Purāṇas together are four lakh (Bhāgavata Purāṇa, Skandha 12, Chapters 7, 13).

Principal themes

The supremacy of Śiva

The basic teaching of the Liṅga Purāṇa is the absolute supremacy of Mahādeva. Vishṇu came forth from Śiva‘s left side, and so is called Prakṛti or Pradhāna; Brahmā came forth from the right side, and so is called Avyakta or Purusha. Again and again Hari and Brahmā are shown offering pūjā to Maheśvara and receiving their powers from him. The text says:

Parameśo jagannāthaḥ śaṃkaras tvaisha sarvagaḥ / āvayor akhilasyeśaḥ śaraṇaṃ ca maheśvaraḥ

Śaṃkara is the master and refuge of both Vishṇu and Brahmā.

The appearing of the Jyotirliṅga

The most celebrated narrative is the āvirbhāva (appearing) of the first Jyotirliṅga, an endless column of fire that rose during a dispute between Brahmā and Vishṇu. Vishṇu in the form of Varāha went down for a thousand years without finding its base; Brahmā as a Haṃsa (swan) flew up for a thousand years without finding its top. The syllable OM was heard, with the akshara A on the south, U on the north and M in the middle, showing the three together as Śiva.

Pañcabrahma

The five forms of Śiva, Sadyojāta, Vāmadeva, Tatpurusha, Aghora and Īśāna, each ruled over a separate cosmic cycle (kalpa), each with its own colour, cosmic cow and line of disciples. Their mantras make up the Pañcabrahma Stotra.

Ashṭāṅga yoga

Chapters 8–10 give a detailed account of ashṭāṅga yoga (yoga of eight limbs): Yama, Niyama, Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Pratyāhāra, Dhāraṇā, Dhyāna and Samādhi, as taught in the line of teachers that ends in Lakulīśa. Lakulīśa is named as the Yogācārya of the 28th Kali-yuga.

The Dāruvana Līlā

Śiva tested the ṛshis of the Dāruvana forest by appearing as a naked ascetic, and showed that no śāpa (curse) can touch one who is himself the source of all power. The ṛshis then received the Pāśupata vrata.

The birth and rise of Nandīśvara

The birth of Nandī from the yajña of Śilāda, his tapas and his testing by Mitra and Varuṇa, Śiva‘s darśana, the gift of immortality, the forming of the five rivers (Jambūnadī, Trisoḥ, Vṛshadhvani, Svarṇodaka), his crowning as Gaṇādhipati, and his marriage to Suyaśā are all told in detail.

Dadhīci, Kshupa and Sthāneśvara

Chapters 35–36 tell of the debate between Dadhīci and Kshupa on whether the brāhmaṇa or the kshatriya stands higher, Kshupa‘s appeal to Vishṇu, Vishṇu’s own defeat by Dadhīci‘s body made strong by Śiva, and the origin of the Sthāneśvara tīrtha.

Sacred geography

The Liṅga Purāṇa holds a wide geographical cosmology: the seven lokas (Bhūr, Bhuvar, Svar, Mahar, Jana, Tapas, Satya), the seven pātāla lokas, the sapta dvīpas (seven continents) with their rulers (the sons of Priyavrata), Meru Parvata, and the nine varshas of Jambūdvīpa. Śiva is described as dwelling in every dvīpa, every mountain, every forest and every river bank: he is present everywhere in the cosmos.

Śiva Sahasranāma

Chapter 65 holds the Śiva Ashṭottara Sahasranāma (1008 names) with a detailed commentary on the meaning of each name. Tridhanuva of the Ikshvāku line gained Gaṇādhipatya (lordship of the gaṇas) and the fruit of a thousand Aśvamedha yajñas by reciting it.

Dynastic genealogies

Chapters 65–67 give the Sūrya-vaṃśa from Ikshvāku through Sagara, Bhagīratha, Hariścandra and Śrī Rāma to Bṛhadbala, and the Soma-vaṃśa from Purūravas and Urvaśī through Āyu, Nahusha, Yayāti and his five sons. Yayāti’s teaching that desire can never be satisfied is kept.

Key teachings

The liṅga is the same as pradhāna (Prakṛti), the ground of the universe:

ākāśaṃ liṅgam ityāhuḥ pṛthivī tasya pīṭhikā

Space is the liṅga, and the earth is its pīṭha (base).

• Śukrācārya explains the Mṛtyuñjaya mantra (Tryambakaṃ yajāmahe…) fully, word by word.
• Bhasma is explained from “bhas”, the bhakshaṇa (eating up) of pāpa; it purifies all pāpa as a forest fire burns the forest.
• The Pañcanadī tīrtha near the Japyeśvara liṅga arose from the five streams that flowed from Nandī‘s body.

The ills of Kali-yuga are overcome through the pūjā of Śaṅkara:

ye taṃ viprā nishevante yena kenāpi śaṃkaram / kalidoshā vinirjitya prayānti paramaṃ padam

In plain words: those vipras (brāhmaṇas) who serve Śaṅkara in any way at all overcome the faults of Kali and reach the highest state.

Content of the Liṅga Purāṇa

The summary below, grouped by chapters, shows the breadth of the Liṅga Purāṇa’s narrative and teachings.

Pūrva Bhāga

Chapters 1–10: The Origin of the Liṅga and Creation (Sarga)

• Introductory Framework: The text begins with a dialogue among the ṛshis that sets the stage for the narration by Sūta. It gives the index of contents.
• Primary Creation (Sarga): It discusses the state of the universe during the great dissolution (Pralaya) and the primary creation that follows.
• Origin of the Liṅga: It tells the famous account in which Śiva appears as an endless column of fire (Jyotirliṅga) to settle the dispute between Brahmā and Vishṇu over who is greater. When they fail to find its ends, they recognise Śiva’s supremacy.
• Pūjā: It stresses the place of the Liṅga as the supreme reality, and the beginning of its pūjā.

Chapters 11–20: Cosmic Forms and Enlightenment

• Five Brahmans and the Cosmic Form: It describes the five faces (Pañca Brahmans) of Śiva (Sadyojāta, Vāmadeva, Tatpurusha, Aghora and Īśāna) and his majestic cosmic form (Viśvarūpa).
• Cosmic Dance and Yoga: It touches on the Tāṇḍava dance of Śiva and introduces the basic principles of Yoga and spiritual knowledge.
• The Trimūrti: It tells of the enlightenment of Vishṇu and Brahmā, showing how their powers of creation and preservation come from the grace of Śiva.

Chapters 21–30: The Rudras, Avatāras and Rites

• Creation of the Rudras: It tells of the creation and deeds of the various forms of Rudra.
• Avatāras of Śiva: It lists the forms in which Śiva appears in the different cosmic ages (Yugas).
• Pūjā Practices: It gives a manual of basic religious rites, including the ways of Ācamana (purification) and the sacred pūjā of the Liṅga (Liṅgārcana), with both inner and outer devotion.
• Account of Śveta: It tells of the ṛshi Śveta, who conquers death by his firm devotion to Śiva.

Chapters 31–40: Ṛshis, Dharma, and Cosmic Time

• Dadhīci‘s account: It recounts the moving account of the ṛshi Dadhīci, whose bones became the mighty weapon Vajra (thunderbolt) through Śiva’s varas (boons).
• The Yugas: It sets out the different cosmic ages (Satya, Tretā, Dvāpara and Kali Yugas) and the duties (Dharma) laid down for each.
• Birth of Brahmā: Further narratives on the birth of Brahmā and the start of his work of creation.

Chapters 41–50: Nandī, Geography, and the Pātālas

• Origin of Nandīśvara: The account of the appearing and crowning of Nandī, Śiva’s chief attendant and vehicle.
• Geography: It describes the earth, its seven continents (Dvīpas), the Bhārata-varsha (India) continent, and Meru Parvata (mountain).
• Lower Worlds: An account of the different lower regions (Pātālas).

Chapters 51–60: Astronomy and the Heavenly Bodies

• The Sūrya and the planets: It gives the description and the accounts of Sūrya (the Sun), Candra (the Moon) and the other planets (Grahas).
• The order of the stars: It describes the structure of the cosmos, the path of the stars, and the place of Dhruva (the Pole Star).

Chapters 61–70: Dynasties and Creations

• Origin of the Devas: Narratives on the origin and lineage of various devas and ṛshis.
• Royal Dynasties (Vaṃśa): It traces the genealogies of the Lunar Dynasty, including the narrative of King Yayāti and a brief mention of Śrī Kṛshṇa as part of this line.
• Creation Details: It enlarges on various sides of creation already mentioned.

Chapters 71–80: Tīrthas, Ethics, and the Asura Andhaka

• Tīrthas: It praises the greatness of sacred tīrthas such as Vārāṇasī, Kedāranāth, Prayāga, and above all Śrī Śaila.
• Ethics and Conduct: It discusses the marks of good conduct (Sadācāra) and ethical duties, including the importance of non-violence (Ahiṃsā).
• Andhaka‘s account: The detailed narrative of the Asura Andhaka, his conflict with Śiva, and his final Moksha.

Chapters 81–90: Varāha, Narasiṃha, and Rites of Atonement

• Lifting the Earth: It recounts the avatāra of Vishṇu as Varāha (Boar) to lift the Earth from the cosmic waters.
• The Man-Lion avatāra: It tells of Vishṇu as Narasiṃha (Man-Lion) and his fight with the daitya Hiraṇyakaśipu; in this Purāṇa the account shows Śiva’s supremacy over Narasiṃha.
• Tapas and Portents: It discusses the practice of Tapas and the rites of atonement (Prāyaścitta) for ascetics, along with portents (Arishṭa).

Chapters 91–108: Great Narratives and Stotras to Śiva

• Jalandhara and Daksha: Detailed accounts of the slaying of the mighty asura Jalandhara by Śiva, and of the destruction of Daksha’s yajña (Daksha Yajña).
• Kāma‘s Destruction: The account of Śiva burning Kāma (the deva of desire) with his third eye (Madanadaha).
• Marriage of Śiva: The account of Pārvatī‘s tapas, her marriage to Śiva, and the glory of Śakti.
• Sahasranāma: The Thousand Names of Śiva (Śiva Sahasranāma).

Uttara Bhāga

Chapters 1–10: Yoga, Mantras, and Devotion

• Yoga: An in-depth discussion of Yoga, its kinds, its benefits, and the way of reaching Moksha.
• Mantras: The power and meaning of key Śaiva mantras such as the Dvādaśākshara (twelve-syllable) and Shaḍakshara (six-syllable) mantras.
• Greatness of Maheśvara: Further glorification of Bhagavān Śiva (Maheśvara) as the ultimate reality.

Chapters 11–20: The Guru, Initiation, and Pāśupata Vrata

• The Guru’s Importance: The vital role of the spiritual teacher (Guru) and the reverence due to him.
• Initiation: Descriptions of the different kinds of initiation rites (Dīkshā).
• Pāśupata Vrata: The procedures and benefits of keeping the Pāśupata Vrata, a sacred vow of devotion to Śiva as Paśupati (master of the paśus, the bound jīvas).

Chapters 21–30: Installing the Liṅga, and Rites

• Installing the Liṅga (Liṅga-pratishṭhā): A detailed ritual manual for the design, making and consecration of the Śiva Liṅga and of mūrtis of Nandī.
• Ritual Purity: Further instructions on the daily pūjā, the yajñas, and the various offerings to Śiva.

Chapters 31–46 (or 55): Ethical Conclusion and Final Moksha

• Dharma and Morality: Discussions of the moral duties of the different varṇas and stages of life (Āśramas).
• Benefits of Listening: It ends by praising the virtues and spiritual benefits of listening to and studying the Liṅga Purāṇa, promising Śiva’s world (Śiva-loka) and final Moksha.

Chapters of the Pūrvārdha in the Śiva Vijñāna Vīcikā

Read Liṅga Purāṇa Online in English, Hindi and Telugu

Read Liṅga Purāṇa Online in English

Read Liṅga Purāṇa Online in Hindi

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Sources

• Liṅga Purāṇa, Pūrvārdha
• Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 272
• Bhāgavata Purāṇa, Skandha 12, Chapters 7, 13