Shloka 16
गुरुत्व-परम्परा-शौचविधि-प्रश्नः
Questions on Guruhood, Lineage, and Purificatory Discipline
गृहीतहस्तो गुरुणा सानुकूलेन वै मुने । सच्छिष्यः साञ्जलिस्स्वाभ्यां हस्ताभ्याम्प्राङ्मुखो यथा
gṛhītahasto guruṇā sānukūlena vai mune | sacchiṣyaḥ sāñjalissvābhyāṃ hastābhyāmprāṅmukho yathā
O sage, the true disciple—his hand being kindly taken by the guru—stands facing east, with both his hands joined in reverence (añjali), in the proper manner.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Significance: Models the guru-śiṣya relationship as the channel of Śiva’s grace: correct orientation (east), humility (añjali), and receptivity are treated as conditions for successful worship and mantra-fruition.
FAQs
It highlights śiṣya-lakṣaṇa (the marks of a worthy disciple): humility, receptivity, and alignment with dharma. In a Shaiva Siddhanta lens, the guru’s compassionate guidance reflects Shiva’s anugraha (grace) that prepares the soul (paśu) for right knowledge and devotion.
Proper approach to Saguna Shiva worship—such as Linga-pūjā—begins with disciplined posture, reverence, and guru-directed procedure. The verse frames worship as not merely external action, but a sanctified relationship where the guru orients the disciple toward Shiva with correct bhāva (devotional disposition).
Stand facing east with hands in añjali, receiving instruction or initiation from the guru—an implied preparatory rite for japa and pūjā. This posture supports focused recitation (e.g., the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and attentive listening to mantra and vrata observances.