Chapter 11 of 43 · Koti Rudra Samhita · Overall chapter 282 of 464
The Greatness of Pashupatinatha Shiva Lingam
Suta catalogues the lingams of the northern direction, led by a second Gokarna site holding the Chandrabhala lingam brought by Ravana, and running through named lingams tied to Dadhichi, the Naimisharanya rishis, and the Nepal region's own Pashupati and Muktinatha.
The rishis said
Suta, very fortunate, your mind is fixed on Shiva and you are blessed. We have heard the wonderful account of the Mahabala lingam. Faultless one, now tell us the greatness of the Shiva lingams in the northern direction that destroy sins.
Suta replied
Brahmanas, listen lovingly. I will briefly tell you the greatness of Shiva's lingams, especially those in the north. There is another field also called Gokarna, which destroys great sins. A large, extensive, sacred forest is there, and in it Shiva's excellent lingam called Chandrabhala. Ravana brought it with great devotion, and it gives every kind of success. Lords among sages, like Vaidyanatha, the ocean of compassion stands there to secure the welfare of all the worlds. A person who bathes in Gokarna and worships Chandrabhala reaches Shiva's world. This is the truth, doubtless the truth. The greatness of the Chandrabhala lingam is extremely wonderful. Though I am Vyasa's devotee and have had his affection, I cannot describe it. But I have told you a little of the greatness of Mahadeva's great Chandrabhala lingam. Now hear of another lingam. This Shiva lingam is called Dadhichi and is at the supreme holy place Mishrarshi. Dadhichi, supreme among sages, lovingly set it up. Having gone to that holy place, one follows the norms and bathes properly, then lovingly worships the Shiva lingam of Dadhicheshvara. Those who seek the fruits of visiting holy places must follow the norms and worship the image of Dadhichi, pleasing Shiva. Best of sages, a man who does so succeeds in his aims. Having enjoyed every kind of happiness in this world, he gains the desired destination hereafter. The Shiva lingam called Rishishvara was set up by all the rishis at the holy place Naimisharanya. Lords among sages, people who see and worship it gain pleasure and liberation in this world and the next, even if they are sinners. A Shiva lingam at the holy place Hatyaharana destroys sins; worshipped with special care, it dispels the sins of a crore killings. At the holy place Devaprayaga is the Shiva lingam named Laliteshvara. Worshipped by men, it always destroys sins. The city of Nayapala is famous on earth. The lingam called Pashupati is there and gives everything wished for. His crest is present there in the form of the Shiva lingam. I will tell that account when I describe Kedareshvara. Near it is the great and wonderful Shiva lingam called Muktinatha. Seeing and worshipping it gains pleasure and liberation. Best of sages, so I have described the supreme lingams in the four directions. What else do you wish to hear?
Retold in our own words from Bibek Debroy's English translation of the Shiva Purana (Penguin Classics). Names, numbers and the order of events follow the source.