Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 5
पूजाविधिः
Pūjā-vidhiḥ) — The Supreme Procedure of Worship (Morning Observances
इत्युक्त्वा वचनं भक्त्या स्मृत्वा च गुरुपादके । बहिर्गच्छेद्दक्षिणाशां त्यागार्थं मलमूत्रयोः
ityuktvā vacanaṃ bhaktyā smṛtvā ca gurupādake | bahirgaccheddakṣiṇāśāṃ tyāgārthaṃ malamūtrayoḥ
Having thus spoken, and with devotion remembering the feet of the Guru, one should go outside toward the southern direction in order to discharge feces and urine.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Significance: Establishes śauca (outer purity) as a prerequisite for pūjā; supports eligibility (adhikāra) for Śiva-upāsanā.
FAQs
It teaches Shaiva sadācāra: even ordinary bodily acts should be done with discipline and humility, beginning with devotion and remembrance of the Guru, so that outer cleanliness supports inner purity for Shiva-bhakti.
Linga-worship emphasizes śauca (purity) and reverence; by going outside and observing proper direction and decorum, the devotee maintains ritual cleanliness and a focused mind fit for Saguna Shiva worship and temple/home puja.
Before stepping out for elimination, mentally bow to the Guru’s feet (guru-smaraṇa) and follow cleanliness rules; afterward one should bathe/cleanse and resume japa or puja, aligning daily life with devotional discipline.