Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 15

लिङ्गार्चनपूर्वकं स्नानाचमनविधिः

Snana–Achamana as Preparation for Linga-Archana

Devanagari script

उद्धृतासीतिमन्त्रेण पुनर्देहं विशोधयेत् मृदादाय ततश्चान्यद् वस्त्रं स्नात्वा ह्यनुल्बणम्

Transliteration

uddhṛtāsītimantreṇa punardehaṃ viśodhayet mṛdādāya tataścānyad vastraṃ snātvā hyanulbaṇam

Translation

Using the mantra called “Uddhṛtāsīti,” one should again purify the body. Then, taking purifying earth (clay), and after bathing properly, one should put on another, clean and unsoiled garment.

Word by Word

• उद्धृतासीतिमन्त्रेण: by the Uddhṛtāsīti-mantra

• पुनः: again

• देहम्: the body

• विशोधयेत्: should purify

• मृदा-आदाय: taking earth/clay (for cleansing)

• ततः: then

• च: and

• अन्यत् वस्त्रम्: another garment

• स्नात्वा: having bathed

• हि: indeed

• अनुल्बणम्: unstained/clean, free from impurity

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Śiva-pūjā-vidhi to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It establishes śauca (ritual purity) as a prerequisite for approaching the Liṅga: mantra-based purification, cleansing with earth, bathing, and wearing clean cloth so the worshipper becomes fit for Pati (Śiva) upāsanā.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

By requiring deliberate purification before worship, it implies Śiva as Pati—the supremely pure consciousness—approached through disciplined removal of mala (impurity) in the pashu (bound soul), aligning the devotee with śuddhatā.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A preparatory pūjā-vidhi practice: mantra-śauca, mṛdā-śuddhi (cleansing with clay/earth), snāna (bath), and vastra-parivartana (changing into clean clothing), reflecting outer discipline that supports inner Pāśupata sādhanā.