Shloka 10
Kṣaura-Snāna-Vidhi — Rite of Tonsure/Shaving and Purificatory Bath (Śaiva Procedure)
शुद्धे देशे तु संस्थाप्य मृदं त्रेधा विभज्य च । एवम्पुनस्त्रिधा कृत्वा प्रोक्ष्यास्त्रेणाभिमन्त्रयेत्
śuddhe deśe tu saṃsthāpya mṛdaṃ tredhā vibhajya ca | evampunastridhā kṛtvā prokṣyāstreṇābhimantrayet
Set the earth (clay) in a purified place and divide it into three portions. Then, in the same way, make it threefold again; sprinkle it with consecrated water and sanctify it by invoking the Astra-mantra.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Īśāna
Mantra: अस्त्रमन्त्र (नाममात्रोक्त)
Type: kavaca
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches that even material substances used in worship become spiritually fit only through purity (śuddhi) and mantra-śakti—showing Shaiva Siddhanta’s emphasis on disciplined preparation so the offering supports inner purification and devotion to Pati (Shiva).
The verse describes preparing sacred clay/earth typically used for constructing, coating, or ritually supporting Linga-related worship; by sprinkling and empowering it with protective mantras, the devotee treats the Linga-puja as a consecrated encounter with Saguna Shiva in a properly sanctified field.
A practical puja step is indicated: purify the space, portion the clay in a regulated way, sprinkle it (prokṣaṇa), and consecrate it with an Astra-mantra for protection—an outer discipline that mirrors inner focus, restraint, and mantra-japa.