Shloka 26
संन्यासाचारवर्णनम्
Description of the Conduct and Daily Discipline of Saṃnyāsa
नाभौ बाह्वौः संधिषु च पृष्ठ चैव यथाक्रमम् । प्रक्षाल्य हस्तौ च ततो द्विराचम्य यथाविधि
nābhau bāhvauḥ saṃdhiṣu ca pṛṣṭha caiva yathākramam | prakṣālya hastau ca tato dvirācamya yathāvidhi
In due order, one should wash the navel, the arms, the joints, and also the back. Then, having washed the hands, one should perform ācamana twice according to the prescribed rule, thus becoming fit for the worship of Lord Śiva.
Suta Goswami (narrating the prescribed procedure of purity in Śiva-pūjā to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Significance: Establishes śauca (ritual purity) as adhikāra (fitness) for Śiva-pūjā; inner and outer cleansing reduces pāśa (impurity) and prepares for grace-bearing worship.
FAQs
It teaches śauca (purity) as a doorway to Śiva-worship: cleansing the body in an ordered way symbolizes removing impurity (mala) and becoming inwardly steady and fit to approach Pati (Śiva) with reverence.
Before approaching the Śiva-liṅga (Saguna focus for devotion), the devotee performs regulated purification and ācamana so the act of pūjā is done with sanctity, discipline, and a mind aligned to Śiva’s presence.
A practical instruction: wash specified parts (navel, arms, joints, back), wash the hands, and perform ācamana twice as per vidhi—serving as preparatory purification before japa (e.g., pañcākṣarī) or liṅga-pūjā.