Shloka 44
Nāgeśa-jyotirliṅga-prādurbhāvaḥ — The Manifestation of the Nāgeśa Jyotirliṅga
यदि पूजा न जाता चेन्न भुनक्ति तदा तु सः । अतस्तत्रापि वैश्योऽसौ चकार शिवपूजनम्
yadi pūjā na jātā cenna bhunakti tadā tu saḥ | atastatrāpi vaiśyo'sau cakāra śivapūjanam
Thinking, “If the worship has not been performed, then he should not partake (of food),” that Vaiśya, therefore, even there, undertook the worship of Lord Śiva.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
It emphasizes niyama (disciplined restraint): a devotee treats Śiva-pūjā as primary, and only after honoring Pati (Lord Śiva) does one enjoy worldly sustenance—showing bhakti guided by dharma.
The verse highlights practical devotion—performing Śiva-pūjan before enjoyment—typically expressed in Kotirudra contexts as Linga worship at sacred sites (Jyotirlinga-tīrthas), where Saguna worship becomes a direct means to grace.
A simple vrata-like rule is implied: do not eat before Śiva-pūjā. This can be paired with offering water/bilva to the Liṅga and mentally repeating the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya.”