Shloka 17
न्यासवर्णनम् (Nyāsa-varṇanam) — Description of Nyāsa in the Saṃnyāsa Procedure
सर्वतोमुखसंज्ञां च कन्दनालं तथैव च । सुषिरं च ततस्तं तु कंटकांस्तदनंतरम्
sarvatomukhasaṃjñāṃ ca kandanālaṃ tathaiva ca | suṣiraṃ ca tatastaṃ tu kaṃṭakāṃstadanaṃtaram
(These forms) are called “Sarvatomukha” (facing all directions) and also “Kandanāla”; then comes “Suṣira”; and thereafter, in due order, the “Kaṇṭaka” (thorned) type.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Kailasa teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya, continuing an enumerative description)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Liṅgodbhava
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
The verse preserves a traditional Shaiva classification of sacred forms used in worship, emphasizing that devotion should be aligned with scriptural order (vidhi) and right understanding (jñāna) while honoring Shiva as the all-pervading Pati.
By naming specific types (e.g., Sarvatomukha), it presents Saguna worship through recognizable forms and attributes; such ordered descriptions guide the devotee to approach the Linga with reverence, clarity, and ritual precision, while remembering Shiva’s transcendence beyond form.
The practical takeaway is to follow the prescribed sequence and correct identification of worship-forms during Shiva-puja; accompany worship with Panchakshara japa (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and a disciplined, sattvic approach rather than improvising forms without scriptural grounding.