The Linga Purana
by J. L. Shastri | 1951 | 265,005 words | ISBN-10: 812080340X | ISBN-13: 9788120803404
This page describes The mode of gifting an elephant which is chapter 42 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 42 - The mode of gifting an elephant
Sanatkumāra said:
1-6. I shall mention the rite of gifting an elephant in due order. It shall be worshipped as before and given to a brahmin or dedicated to Śiva. The devotee shall make an image of an elephant endowed with all good characteristics, out of gold or silver with a thousand, five hundred or two hundred and fifty gold coins. It shall be embellished with all characteristics. It shall be dedicated to the lord at the time and on the spot mentioned before. Or it shall be offered to Śiva,[1] Parameṣṭhin on the eighth day. After worshipping Śiva as before, it should be given to a poor brahmin who is well-versed in Śrutis and who maintains the sacred fire. It shall be given keeping Śiva in view. He who perforins this holy rite of gift with devotion to Śiva shall stay in heaven for a long time and then become a king and lord of elephants.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Read Śivābhimukhamāsīno for Śivābhimukhamāsīnā i.e. by the worshipper who faces Śiva.