Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 4
पूजाविधान-व्याख्या (Pūjāvidhāna-vyākhyā) — Exposition of the Procedure of Worship
दक्षिणे चोत्तरे चैव नंदीशं सुयशं तथा । आराध्य मनसा सम्यगासनं कल्पयेद्बुधः
dakṣiṇe cottare caiva naṃdīśaṃ suyaśaṃ tathā | ārādhya manasā samyagāsanaṃ kalpayedbudhaḥ
عن اليمين وعن الشمال، ينبغي للسالك الحكيم أن يعبد بقلبه ننديشا، ذا الصيت الرفيع؛ فإذا أكرمه في باطنه إكرامًا تامًّا، فليُعِدّ مقعد العبادة ويجلس عليه على الوجه اللائق.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: Ritual spatialization: Nandīśa is honored on the right and left (directional placement around the worship-space), then the worshipper establishes/assumes the āsana—signaling guardianship and stability before approaching Śiva.
Significance: In temples, Nandī’s presence is central to Śiva-darśana; honoring Nandī cultivates humility and steadiness, preparing the pilgrim’s mind for focused worship.
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches that Śaiva worship begins with inner alignment: by mentally honoring Nandīśa—symbol of devotion, discipline, and dharma—the seeker prepares the mind as a fit seat (āsana) for approaching Pati (Śiva).
Nandī is traditionally stationed before Śiva’s presence, especially in Linga worship; mentally venerating Nandī first signifies respectful entry into Saguna worship and steadies attention before offering to the Linga.
Manasa-pūjā (mental worship) followed by proper āsana-vidhi: arranging and taking a steady seat for japa/dhyāna—commonly alongside Panchākṣarī practice ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") in Śaiva observance.