Shloka 76
Andhakeśvara-liṅga Māhātmya and Śiva’s Subjugation of Andhaka (अन्धकेश्वरलिङ्गमाहात्म्य तथा अन्धकवध-प्रसङ्ग)
उत्तारणं च कार्य्यं वै पूजा पूर्णा भवत्विति । एतावदेव तेषां तु शृणु नान्यत्तथैव च
uttāraṇaṃ ca kāryyaṃ vai pūjā pūrṇā bhavatviti | etāvadeva teṣāṃ tu śṛṇu nānyattathaiva ca
“One should then perform the concluding rite (uttāraṇa), so that the worship becomes complete. This alone is prescribed for them—listen; there is nothing else to be done in that same manner.”
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: No Jyotirliṅga named; the verse is liturgical-technical, stressing ‘uttāraṇa’—the formal closing that renders pūjā ‘pūrṇā’ (complete), aligning with Āgamic completeness (pūrṇatā) of rites.
Significance: Teaches that devotion is not merely emotion but complete observance; ‘completion’ (pūrṇatā) safeguards the intended fruit (phala) of worship.
FAQs
It emphasizes that devotion must be sealed with proper completion: finishing the worship respectfully (uttāraṇa) reflects inner discipline and reverence to Pati (Shiva), making the sādhana whole and fruit-bearing.
In Linga/Saguna worship, rites have a beginning, middle, and closure; this verse highlights the formal concluding step that marks the puja as complete, honoring Shiva’s presence invoked in the worship.
Perform the concluding rite after worship—mentally offer closure with gratitude, complete the prescribed steps, and end in remembrance of Shiva (often with mantra-japa such as the Panchakshara) rather than leaving the ritual unfinished.