Shloka 15
Sadācāra–Varṇa-lakṣaṇa and Prātaḥkṛtya
Right Conduct, Social Typologies, and Morning Purification
येन केन च पत्रेण काष्ठेन च जलाद्बहिः । कार्यं संत्यज्य तर्ज्जनीं दंतधावनमीरितम्
yena kena ca patreṇa kāṣṭhena ca jalādbahiḥ | kāryaṃ saṃtyajya tarjjanīṃ daṃtadhāvanamīritam
For cleaning the teeth, it is prescribed that one should go outside the water source and, setting aside all other activities, brush the teeth using any suitable leaf or a piece of wood; the index finger (tarjanī) should be avoided for this act.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the prescribed observances as taught in the Vidyeśvarasaṃhitā)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Significance: Establishes śauca (ritual purity) as a prerequisite for Śiva-pūjā; purity disciplines the bound soul (paśu) to become fit for anugraha.
FAQs
It teaches śauca (purity) and disciplined conduct as a foundation for Shiva-bhakti—outer cleanliness supports inner steadiness, making the mind fit for mantra and worship.
Linga-worship in the Vidyeśvara Saṃhitā is preceded by proper daily observances; this rule emphasizes preparing oneself with cleanliness and restraint before approaching Saguna Shiva through ritual.
A practical morning observance: brush teeth with a leaf/twig away from the water source and avoid using the index finger—then proceed toward bath, mantra (like the Pañcākṣarī), and Shiva-pūjā.