The Linga Purana
by J. L. Shastri | 1951 | 265,005 words | ISBN-10: 812080340X | ISBN-13: 9788120803404
This page describes The mode of gifting a virgin which is chapter 40 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 40 - The mode of gifting a virgin
Sanatkumāra said:
1-7. I shall mention the rite of offering a virgin. It is the most excellent of all charitable gifts. The devotee talks to the parents and buys a virgin endowed with all characteristics and devoid of all defects. He gives much wealth to the parents and takes possession of her. She is bathed and robed in a fresh and splendid cloth. She is bedecked in all ornaments. She is then worshipped with scents and fragrant garlands. She is then given in marriage to a brahmin well-versed in the Śrutis or to an ascetic, a religious student who has learned the Vedas. The devotee shall observe the omens properly. He shall consider the lineage, the star of birth etc. of the virgin and the religious student; he shall consider the mental inclination of both and worship them assiduously. He shall give men slaves and women slaves, riches, ornaments, fields, money, grains and garments. He is honoured in the world of Rudra as many thousand years as there are hairs in the bodies of the progeny of that girl.