Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 28
अग्निकार्य-होमविधिः
Agnikārya and Homa Procedure
अवक्रा न स्वयं शुष्कास्सत्वचो निर्व्रणाः समाः । दशांगुला वा विहिताः कनिष्ठांगुलिसंमिताः
avakrā na svayaṃ śuṣkāssatvaco nirvraṇāḥ samāḥ | daśāṃgulā vā vihitāḥ kaniṣṭhāṃgulisaṃmitāḥ
They should be neither bent nor naturally dried; their skin should be intact, free from wounds, and uniform. The prescribed measure is ten finger-breadths, reckoned by the breadth of the little finger.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Tatpuruṣa
FAQs
It teaches that Shaiva worship should be supported by sattvic orderliness—using items that are unbroken, unblemished, and properly measured—so the devotee’s mind mirrors that purity and steadiness while approaching Pati (Shiva).
In Linga/Saguna worship, correct and intact ritual materials express reverence and attentiveness; such careful observance helps stabilize devotion (bhakti) and concentration, making the offering fit to be presented to Shiva.
It suggests selecting and preparing worship materials that are straight, not dried or damaged, and measured according to the stated standard—supporting disciplined puja, japa (including Om Namaḥ Śivāya), and focused meditation.