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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.
english translation
पंचाशत्कोटिविस्तीर्णा सशैलवनकानना । शिवाज्ञया हि पृथिवी लोकं धृत्वा च तिष्ठति २ ।
The Earth, fifty crores of yojanas in extent, abounding in mountains and forests, supports the people at the bidding of Śiva.
english translation
तत्र तत्र शिवक्षेत्रं तत्र तत्र निवासिनाम् । मो-क्षार्थं कृपया देवः क्षेत्रं कल्पितवान्प्रभुः ३ ।
The lord has Himself raised up these temples and holy centres in different places for the liberation of the residents of these localities.
english translation
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.
english translation
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.
english translation