Linga Mahā Purana
34 -The mode of gifting Vishveshvara
Sanatkumara said:
1-5. I shall mention the rite called Ganeshesha in the Mandapa mentioned before. After worshipping the lord of the chiefs of Devas surrounded by the guardians of the quarters, the devotee shall make the idols of Vishveshvaras as enjoined by the scriptures, with ten gold coins. They shall be bedecked in all the ornaments. He shall worship them in accordance with the injunctions. As before, he shall perform Homas, in the eight Kundas in the eight quarters, according to the way of five coverings and the traditional style. He shall worship seven brahmins and a virgin girl in the north. All the mantras shall be repeated 269 and the gifts shall be offered along with their respective mantras in order. By giving a gift thus one is undoubtedly liberated from all sins.
269. sarvamantrani – sarvadevata - prasadanani pratimarupani ST. mantras for the propitiation of all-gods in the form of idols.
Summary of chapter 144 of the Linga Mahā Purana is as follows:
This chapter glorifies the holy city of Kāshī or Vārāṇasī, describing it as the eternal abode of Parameśvara Śiva that rests upon the tip of His divine trident, completely untouched by cosmic dissolution. Nandi reveals that dying within the sacred borders of Kāshī guarantees immediate spiritual liberation for any living creature.