Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 8
अग्निकार्य-होमविधिः
Agnikārya and Homa Procedure
मेखलामध्यतः कुर्यात्पश्चिमे दक्षिणे ऽपि वा । शोभनामग्नितः किंचिन्निम्नामुन्मीलिकां शनैः
mekhalāmadhyataḥ kuryātpaścime dakṣiṇe 'pi vā | śobhanāmagnitaḥ kiṃcinnimnāmunmīlikāṃ śanaiḥ
From the middle of the mekhalā (the altar’s enclosing line), one should form it—either on the western or on the southern side. From the fire, one should slowly make a beautiful opening, slightly depressed, as an outlet.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
It emphasizes disciplined, orderly sacred action: careful arrangement around the fire supports inner steadiness, making ritual a vehicle for purity and Shiva-oriented contemplation.
Such altar instructions commonly accompany Saguna Shiva worship, where outer precision (fire, space, directions) mirrors inner reverence, preparing the practitioner for offerings and mantra-centered devotion to Shiva.
It suggests a practical step of agni-ritual layout—creating a gentle, slightly lowered outlet/opening near the western or southern side—done slowly and carefully as part of a Shaiva rite.