Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 23
द्वितीयतृतीयावरणपूजाक्रमः | The Sequence of the Second and Third Enclosure Worship (Āvaraṇa-pūjā)
शिवायाश्च सखीवर्गं जपेद्ध्यात्वा समाहितः । एवं तृतीयावरणे वितते पूजिते सति
śivāyāśca sakhīvargaṃ japeddhyātvā samāhitaḥ | evaṃ tṛtīyāvaraṇe vitate pūjite sati
With a collected mind, meditating, one should recite (the names/mantras of) the circle of Śivā’s (Pārvatī’s) companions. Thus, when the third enclosure (āvaraṇa) of the worship has been duly arranged and worshipped, the rite proceeds in this manner.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Type: stotra
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches that worship is not merely external ritual: japa must be joined with dhyāna and samādhāna (collectedness). By honoring Śivā (Śakti) along with her retinue, the sādhaka approaches Śiva through the complete Shiva–Shakti reality, a key Shaiva understanding for purification and grace.
Avaraṇa-pūjā is a structured Saguna method: the devotee worships the central deity (often the Liṅga/Śiva) together with associated powers and attendants. Here, the third enclosure emphasizes Śivā’s aspect—showing that Liṅga worship is complemented by reverence to Śakti and her circles as part of a complete pūjā sequence.
Perform japa while simultaneously meditating, maintaining a steady, composed mind; specifically, recite the names/mantras of Śivā’s sakhīs as part of the third āvaraṇa in the maṇḍala/enclosure worship. This implies disciplined mantra-japa supported by dhyāna (rather than mechanical repetition).