सूत उवाच । शृणुध्वमृषयः प्राज्ञाः शिवक्षेत्रं विमुक्तिदम् । तदागमांस्ततो वक्ष्ये लोकरक्षार्थमेव हि १ ।
Sūta said: O wise sages, please listen to the narrative of holy centres with Śiva’s temples all of which accord salvation. Thereafter I shall tell you their traditions for the welfare of the people.
परिग्रहादृषीणां च देवानां परिग्रहात् । स्वयंभूतान्यथान्यानि लोकरक्षार्थमेव हि ४ ।
These temples whether self-risen or not, in view of their being accepted (as their frequent resort) by the sages and Devas are intended for the redemption of the people.
तीर्थे क्षेत्रे सदाकार्यं स्नानदानजपादिकम् । अन्यथा रोगदारिद्र य्मूकत्वाद्याप्नुयान्नरः ५ ।
In these holy centres and temples, ablutions, charitable gifts, Japas etc must be regularly performed. Otherwise men are sure to be affected by ailments, penury, dumbness etc.