Shloka 13
Kṣetra–Kāla–Phala-kramaḥ
Hierarchy of Sacred Place, Time, and Ritual Fruit
तपोनिष्ठा ज्ञाननिष्ठा योगिनो यतयस्तथा । पूजायाः पात्रमेते हि पापसंक्षयकारणम्
taponiṣṭhā jñānaniṣṭhā yogino yatayastathā | pūjāyāḥ pātramete hi pāpasaṃkṣayakāraṇam
Those steadfast in austerity, those established in true knowledge, and likewise yogins and disciplined renunciants—these indeed are worthy recipients of worship and honor, for they become a cause for the diminishing of sin.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Significance: By honoring realized ascetics (tapasvins, jñānins, yogins, yatins) as worthy pātras, the householder’s dāna/arcana becomes purified and functions as a means for pāpa-kṣaya, supporting eligibility (adhikāra) for Śiva-bhakti and higher sādhana.
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
It teaches that honoring those firmly rooted in tapas, jñāna, and yoga is itself a purifying act; such saints function as living vessels of dharma, and reverence toward them helps dissolve pāpa and turn the mind toward Shiva.
In Shaiva practice, Linga-pūjā is supported by satsanga and service to Shiva’s devotees; honoring yogins and renunciants aligns the worshipper with Saguna Shiva’s grace manifest through the guru-saint tradition.
Offer respectful pūjā and dāna to disciplined Shaiva practitioners and cultivate their qualities—tapas, japa (especially the Panchakshara), and meditation—so the mind becomes fit for Shiva-upāsanā.