Shloka 20
शिलादार्वादिके वापि जले वापि स्थलेपि वा । संशोध्य पीडयेद्वस्त्रं पितृणां तृप्तये द्विजाः
śilādārvādike vāpi jale vāpi sthalepi vā | saṃśodhya pīḍayedvastraṃ pitṛṇāṃ tṛptaye dvijāḥ
Whether on stone, wood, and the like, or in water, or on dry ground—having purified it, the twice-born should wring out the cloth, for the satisfaction of the Pitṛs (ancestral spirits).
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva Purana teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Significance: Pitṛ-tarpaṇa/śrāddha-style purity act framed as supportive to dharmic continuity; indirectly aids Śiva-bhakti by removing doṣa and enabling worship.
FAQs
It teaches that ancestral rites must be performed with inner and outer purity; careful cleansing and proper handling of ritual items becomes an act of dharma that supports harmony in the unseen order and aids the Pitṛs’ contentment.
In Shaiva practice, dharmic observances like Pitṛ-tarpaṇa complement Saguna Shiva worship by cultivating purity (śauca) and gratitude; such discipline supports steadiness of mind, making one fit for Shiva’s grace in Linga-centered devotion.
A practical rite is indicated: cleanse the ritual area/material and wring the cloth after purification as part of Pitṛ offerings (tarpaṇa/śrāddha-related procedure); the emphasis is on śauca (purity) rather than mantra, bhasma, or rudrākṣa in this specific line.