The Linga Purana
by J. L. Shastri | 1951 | 265,005 words | ISBN-10: 812080340X | ISBN-13: 9788120803404
This page describes The glory of Vishnu which is chapter 2 of the English translation of the Linga Purana, traditionally authored by Vyasa in roughly 11,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with Shaiva pilosophy, the Linga (symbol of Shiva), Cosmology, Yugas, Manvantaras, Creation theories, mythology, Astronomy, Yoga, Geography, Sacred pilgrimage guides (i.e., Tirthas) and Ethics. The Lingapurana is an important text in Shaivism but also contains stories on Vishnu and Brahma.
Chapter 2 - The glory of Viṣṇu
Mārkaṇḍeya said:
1. Thereafter, lord Nārāyaṇa, the soul of the universe gave everything to Nārada and made him equal to Tumburu in due course of time.
2. He made Nārada the leading sage like this. This incident happened formerly. The singing of Nārāyaṇa’s songs again and again is an excellent thing.
3. Viṣṇu who is propitiated with songs, grants excellent renown, wisdom, refulgence, satisfaction and abode as it happened to Kauśika.
4-5. Viṣṇu granted excellent Siddhi to Padmākṣa and others. Hence, O king, the following should be performed by you in the holy centre of Viṣṇu in particular, viz.—worship, singing, dance, the instrumental music and other festivities. O king, this should be always performed by you along with the persons who are the devotees of Viṣṇu.
6-9. This must always be heard. Viṣṇu should always be praised. The scholar who undertakes songs, dances, narratives and discourses on Viṣṇu in the holy centres of Viṣṇu with devotion acquires the memory of previous births, intellect, awareness at the time of death and identity with Viṣṇu. O leading king, this is true.
O king, what you have asked me has been recounted to you. What more shall I tell you? O most excellent one among the persons who maintain holy rites, tell me.