Shloka 85
प्रणवार्थ-शिवतत्त्व-निर्णयः
The Determination of Śiva as the Meaning of Praṇava
वस्त्रादि दक्षिणां दत्त्वा प्रणम्य भुवि दण्डवत् । दोरकौपीनवसनं दण्डाच्च क्षालितम्भुवि
vastrādi dakṣiṇāṃ dattvā praṇamya bhuvi daṇḍavat | dorakaupīnavasanaṃ daṇḍācca kṣālitambhuvi
Having offered dakṣiṇā such as cloth and other gifts, he should bow down upon the earth like a staff in full prostration. Then, on the ground, he should wash the staff and the ascetic’s simple garments—such as the arm-band (dora), loincloth (kaupīna), and clothing—thus preserving the purity and discipline of the vow in devotion to Śiva.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Kailāsa-saṃhitā teachings to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Bhikṣāṭana
FAQs
It teaches humility and disciplined service: offering dakṣiṇā, performing full prostration, and maintaining cleanliness of ascetic implements—outer acts that support inner surrender to Pati (Śiva) and steady the aspirant’s vow.
These are preparatory observances that accompany Saguna Śiva worship—approaching Śiva with reverence, purity, and self-offering—so that Linga-pūjā is not merely formal but aligned with devotion and restraint.
Give dakṣiṇā (such as cloth), do daṇḍavat-praṇāma, and keep vow-items clean; this complements Shaiva practice such as japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and other niyamas of purity and discipline.