Shloka 26
त्रिपुरमोहनम्
Tripuramohana — “The Delusion/Enchanting of Tripura”
अर्थानुपार्ज्य बहुशो द्वादशायतनानि वै । परितः परिपूज्यानि किमन्यैरिह पूजितैः
arthānupārjya bahuśo dvādaśāyatanāni vai | paritaḥ paripūjyāni kimanyairiha pūjitaiḥ
Having gathered resources again and again, one should worship, all around with full reverence, the twelve sacred abodes of Śiva. Once these have been duly revered, what need is there here for any other worship?
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Liṅgodbhava
FAQs
The verse exalts the twelve Śaiva abodes as a concentrated path of grace: wholehearted reverence to Śiva’s principal seats is presented as spiritually sufficient, because devotion to Pati (Śiva) is the direct means to purification and liberation in the Śaiva view.
The “twelve abodes” are traditionally understood as eminent Liṅga/Śiva-sthānas where Saguna worship is performed—darśana, arcana, and pradakṣiṇā—yet the aim is to awaken steadfast bhakti that leads the devotee toward Śiva’s highest reality.
It suggests intentional preparation (gathering offerings/resources) and complete shrine-worship—arcana and circumambulation—ideally accompanied by japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” with Śaiva marks like bhasma (tripuṇḍra) where appropriate.