Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 70
मन्त्रसिद्धिः, प्रतिबन्धनिरासः, श्रद्धा-नियमाः
Mantra Efficacy, Removal of Obstacles, and the Role of Faith/Discipline
सो ऽप्येवमाचरेदत्र न गृह्णीयात्स्वयं पुनः । स्वयं गृह्णाति यो लोभात्पूजांगद्रव्यमुत्तमम्
so 'pyevamācaredatra na gṛhṇīyātsvayaṃ punaḥ | svayaṃ gṛhṇāti yo lobhātpūjāṃgadravyamuttamam
Auch er soll hier so handeln und nichts mehr für sich selbst nehmen. Wer aus Gier die besten Gegenstände, die als rechte Erfordernisse der Verehrung bestimmt sind, an sich nimmt, handelt wider das Dharma.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: Ethic of non-appropriation: pūjā-aṅga-dravya is ‘Śiva’s property’ once consecrated; greed (lobha) is a pasha (bond) that veils discernment—thus the verse functions as a dharmic safeguard for ritual integrity.
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches that Shaiva worship must be free of personal greed: offerings meant for Shiva are to be treated as sacred, and selfless restraint purifies the devotee’s intention, supporting inner discipline and devotion.
In Linga/Saguna worship, the upacāras (worship articles) are considered dedicated to Shiva; appropriating them for oneself breaks the spirit of īśvara-ārpaṇa (offering to the Lord) and diminishes the sanctity of the rite.
Practice niṣkāma-sevā (selfless service) during puja: handle offerings as Shiva’s property, avoid taking prasad or materials with a possessive mind, and maintain an attitude of dedication (arpaṇa-bhāva) while repeating Shiva’s mantra.