Shloka 14
Śivarātri-vrata Udyāpana-vidhi
Completion Rite for the Śivarātri Observance
यथाशक्ति विधानं च प्राजापत्यं समाचरेत् । ब्राह्मणान्भोजयेत्प्रीत्या दद्याद्दानानि भक्तितः
yathāśakti vidhānaṃ ca prājāpatyaṃ samācaret | brāhmaṇānbhojayetprītyā dadyāddānāni bhaktitaḥ
According to one’s capacity, one should duly perform the observance known as Prājāpatya. With glad-hearted reverence, one should feed the brāhmaṇas and, in devotion, bestow gifts in charity.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Role: nurturing
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
It teaches that Shaiva merit is not only gained by worship but also by disciplined observance and compassionate giving—purification (vrata) joined with bhakti expressed as feeding the worthy and offering dāna.
In Linga-worship traditions, outer ritual purity and inner devotion support each other: the Prājāpatya observance prepares the devotee, while feeding brāhmaṇas and giving gifts becomes an offering to Saguna Shiva, who is pleased by selfless service.
It recommends a capacity-based vrata (Prājāpatya) performed by proper rule, followed by annadāna (feeding brāhmaṇas) and devotional charity—practical disciplines that can accompany Shiva worship, japa, and temple pilgrimage.