Shloka 69
प्रणवार्थ-शिवतत्त्व-निर्णयः
The Determination of Śiva as the Meaning of Praṇava
भोजनान्ते रुद्रसूक्तं क्षमा पय्य द्विजान्मुनः । तन्मन्त्रेण ततो दद्यादुत्तरापोशणं पुरः
bhojanānte rudrasūktaṃ kṣamā payya dvijānmunaḥ | tanmantreṇa tato dadyāduttarāpośaṇaṃ puraḥ
At the conclusion of the meal, the sage should respectfully seek pardon from the twice-born and then recite the Rudra-sūkta. Thereafter, using that very mantra, he should offer the concluding ācamana—sipping of sanctified water—before them.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva Purana teachings to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Rudra
Significance: Emphasizes ritual accountability (kṣamā-yācñā) and mantra-purification after consumption; in Siddhānta terms, it addresses impurity/obscuration (mala/tirodhāna) through confession and Rudra-mantra.
Mantra: ... रुद्रसूक्तं ... तन्मन्त्रेण ... उत्तरापोशणं
Type: rudram
FAQs
It teaches Shaiva discipline: after nourishment, one seals the act with humility (seeking forgiveness) and remembrance of Rudra, so the ordinary act of eating is purified into Shiva-conscious conduct.
By prescribing Rudra-sūkta and mantra-based purification, it frames daily life as service to Saguna Shiva (Rudra), where mantra and reverence become extensions of Linga-worship and Shaiva sādhana.
Recite the Rudra-sūkta after eating, request pardon from respected brāhmaṇas/elders, and perform the concluding ācamana (uttarāpośaṇa) with the same Rudra mantra as a purification practice.