The Liṅga Mahāpurāṇa is one of the eighteen Mahāpurāṇas and is considered a key Śaiva text, focused on the worship of Śiva, the nature of the liṅga, cosmology, creation, rituals, dharma, and liberation. It is traditionally attributed to Vyāsa and is composed in Sanskrit, divided into two main parts (books):
- Pūrvabhāga (Earlier Section)
- Uttarabhāga (Later Section)
Each of these is subdivided into several Saṁhitās (compilations or books).
Contents of Linga Mahapurana
Pūrvabhāga (First Part)
- Vidyeśvara Saṁhitā – On cosmology, the greatness of Śiva, merits of worship, sacred times, and places. It lays the foundation for Śaiva doctrine and ritual (e.g., Agni-yajña, Deva-yajña, Guru-pūjā).
- Rudra Saṁhitā – On manifestations of Rudra, his deeds, and his benevolence.
- Śatarudra Saṁhitā – On the 100 forms of Rudra and philosophical reflections on his omnipresence.
- Sahasralinga Saṁhitā – On the glory of thousands of liṅgas and their installations.
- Kailāsa Saṁhitā – Descriptions of Kailāsa, Śiva’s abode, and Śiva-related myths.
Uttarabhāga (Second Part):
- Vāyavīya Saṁhitā – A large philosophical and theological portion focused on Śiva as the Supreme.
- Dharma Saṁhitā – Detailed rules of dharma, especially for Śaiva initiates.
- Tirtha Saṁhitā – Pilgrimage sites sacred to Śiva.
- Liṅgārcana Saṁhitā – The proper methods of liṅga worship.
- Jnana Saṁhitā – Explores metaphysical knowledge and liberation.
- Brahmottara Saṁhitā – The final concluding saṁhitā, focusing on the supremacy of Brahman identified with Śiva.
