Shloka 2
भोजन-आह्वान-प्रकरणम् — The Episode of Invitation and the Divine Feast
मार्जनं लेपनं सम्यक्कारयामास तस्य सः । स सुगन्धैरलञ्चक्रे नानावस्तुभिरादरात्
mārjanaṃ lepanaṃ samyakkārayāmāsa tasya saḥ | sa sugandhairalañcakre nānāvastubhirādarāt
He had thorough cleansing and anointing performed properly; and with reverence he adorned him with fragrant substances and various articles.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Role: nurturing
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It highlights bhakti expressed through śauca (purity) and upacāra (reverent service): cleansing, anointing, and adorning are outer acts that train the mind toward inner purity and single-pointed devotion to Pati (Śiva).
Mārjana (cleansing) and lepana (anointing) are classic upacāras of liṅga/arca worship—honoring Saguna Śiva through tangible offerings like fragrance and sacred substances, performed carefully and respectfully.
Perform pūjā with orderly upacāras—cleanse the worship-seat and icon/liṅga, apply sandal/unguents or sacred paste, offer fragrances and items with attention; mentally pair the acts with remembrance of Śiva (e.g., japa of “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”).