Shloka 1
Kṣetra–Kāla–Phala-kramaḥ
Hierarchy of Sacred Place, Time, and Ritual Fruit
ऋषय ऊचुः । देशादीन्क्रमशो ब्रूहि सूत सर्वार्थवित्तम् । सूत उवाच । शुद्धं गृहं समफलं देवयज्ञादिकर्मसु
ṛṣaya ūcuḥ | deśādīnkramaśo brūhi sūta sarvārthavittam | sūta uvāca | śuddhaṃ gṛhaṃ samaphalaṃ devayajñādikarmasu
The sages said: “O Sūta, knower of the meaning of all things, describe in due order the places and related details.” Sūta replied: “In rites such as Deva-yajña and other sacred acts, a pure household (and pure setting) yields an equal and fitting fruit.”
Suta Goswami (in dialogue with the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Īśāna
Significance: Introduces the kṣetra/space-discourse: purity of place and household is taught as stabilizing (sthiti) the efficacy of deva-yajña and allied rites, preparing the soul for higher Śaiva practice.
FAQs
It establishes that outer purity of place and household supports right worship and yields fitting spiritual results, preparing the devotee for deeper Shaiva devotion and discipline.
Linga-puja is performed as a sacred act; the verse emphasizes that maintaining a clean, consecrated environment aligns the worshipper with the proper observance (ācāra) that supports fruitful Saguna Shiva worship.
Keep the worship area and home purified before puja—cleanliness, orderly arrangement, and readiness for offerings—so that deva-yajña and Shiva worship are performed with due sanctity.