Shloka 27
Devīkṛta-praśna-varṇana (Description of the Goddess’s Questions) / देवीकृतप्रश्नवर्णनम्
उपास्यं वस्तु किंरूपं किं वा फलमुपासितुः । अनुष्ठान विधिः कोवा पूजास्थानं च किं प्रभो
upāsyaṃ vastu kiṃrūpaṃ kiṃ vā phalamupāsituḥ | anuṣṭhāna vidhiḥ kovā pūjāsthānaṃ ca kiṃ prabho
O Lord, what is the nature of the Reality to be worshipped? What fruit does the worshipper obtain? What is the proper method of observance, and what is the appropriate place for performing worship?
Parvati
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
FAQs
It frames the core Shaiva inquiry: who (Pati/Śiva) is truly to be worshipped, what inner and outer discipline qualifies worship (anuṣṭhāna-vidhi), and what the worship ultimately yields—purification, grace (anugraha), and liberation.
By asking the 'form' of the worship-worthy Reality, the verse opens the teaching that the Supreme can be approached through Saguna supports such as the Śiva-liṅga and mantra, while the goal is realization of Śiva as the highest principle beyond limitation.
It points to regulated upāsanā: a prescribed observance (anuṣṭhāna) with correct method and place—typically including mantra-japa (often Pañcākṣarī), purity disciplines, and Śiva-pūjā in a consecrated space or shrine.