Maṇḍala–Pūjā–Homa Krama
Maṇḍala Worship and Homa Sequence for the Disciple
उपमन्युरुवाच । ततः स्नानादिकं सर्वं समाप्याचार्यचोदितः । गच्छेद्बद्धांजलिर्ध्यायञ्छिवमण्डलपार्श्वतः
upamanyuruvāca | tataḥ snānādikaṃ sarvaṃ samāpyācāryacoditaḥ | gacchedbaddhāṃjalirdhyāyañchivamaṇḍalapārśvataḥ
Upamanyu said: “Then, having completed all the prescribed acts beginning with bathing, and being instructed by the teacher, he should go with hands joined in reverence, meditating on Śiva, to the side of the Śiva-maṇḍala.”
Upamanyu
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
It emphasizes that Śiva-worship begins with inner and outer purification, followed by humble, teacher-guided approach and steady meditation—preparing the soul (paśu) to turn toward Pati (Śiva).
The Śiva-maṇḍala indicates a consecrated focus for Saguna worship—approaching the sacred locus (often alongside the Liṅga or a ritual diagram) with añjali and dhyāna to stabilize devotion and concentration.
Complete snāna and preparatory observances, then approach with joined palms while practicing dhyāna on Śiva; this is the practical cue for a pūjā sequence where mantra-japa (commonly the Pañcākṣarī) naturally follows.