Maṇḍala–Pūjā–Homa Krama
Maṇḍala Worship and Homa Sequence for the Disciple
ध्यायेद्व्याप्त्यैकताकारे भूतशोधनकर्मणि । भूतानां ग्रंथिविच्छेदं कृत्वा त्यक्त्वा सहाधिपैः
dhyāyedvyāptyaikatākāre bhūtaśodhanakarmaṇi | bhūtānāṃ graṃthivicchedaṃ kṛtvā tyaktvā sahādhipaiḥ
He should meditate on the rite of elemental purification as one all-pervading reality. Having cut apart the knots of the elements, he should relinquish them—together with their presiding rulers—so that consciousness may rest in Śiva, the Lord (Pati), beyond all bonds.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Role: teaching
It teaches bhūta-śuddhi (purification of the elements) as an inward yogic process: the seeker breaks the binding “knots” (granthis) of embodied nature and releases identification with the elemental layers, turning to Śiva (Pati) who is beyond pasha (bondage).
In Śaiva practice, saguna worship (such as Liṅga-pūjā) supports inner yoga: as attention becomes one-pointed and all-pervading, the practitioner offers back the tattvas—symbolically surrendering the elements and their devatās—so awareness abides in Śiva, the reality signified by the Liṅga.
Bhūta-śodhana/bhūta-śuddhi meditation: contemplate the elements as pervaded by one consciousness, sever the “knots” of attachment, and mentally offer the elements (with their presiding deities) into Śiva—often supported by japa (e.g., Pañcākṣarī) and steady dhyāna.