Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 50
अन्तराय-उपसर्ग-विवेचनम् / Analysis of Yogic Obstacles (Antarāyas) and Upasargas
नदीनदसमुद्राणां तीरे रथ्यांतरे ऽपि वा । न जीर्णोद्यानगोष्ठादौ नानिष्टे न च निंदिते
nadīnadasamudrāṇāṃ tīre rathyāṃtare 'pi vā | na jīrṇodyānagoṣṭhādau nāniṣṭe na ca niṃdite
لا ينبغي أداء النذر المقدّس لعبادة شيفا على ضفاف الأنهار والجداول أو البحر، ولا في وسط الطريق. ولا يُفعل كذلك في الحدائق المتهدّمة أو حظائر البقر وما شابهها، ولا في المواضع المشؤومة أو المذمومة. فموضع عبادة شيفا ينبغي أن يكون طاهرًا لائقًا وخاليًا من اللوم.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Vāmadeva
Significance: Clarifies deśa-śuddhi for vrata and pūjā: even naturally sacred liminal edges (river/sea banks) are not automatically fit for a specific observance unless properly prepared; emphasizes intentional sanctification of space in Śaiva practice.
FAQs
It teaches that outer purity and appropriateness of place support inner steadiness (yoga) and devotion (bhakti); worship offered in a blameworthy or impure setting weakens concentration and the sanctity of the observance directed to Pati (Śiva).
Linga/Saguṇa-Śiva worship is done with prescribed ācamana, cleanliness, and a fit altar-space; this verse lists locations to avoid so the Linga-pūjā is performed in a consecrated, undisturbed, and respectable environment.
Select a clean, quiet, non-condemned place for japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and for pūjā with bhasma/Tripuṇḍra and rudrākṣa—avoiding distracting, impure, or socially censured locations.