Shloka 48
Kṣetra–Kāla–Phala-kramaḥ
Hierarchy of Sacred Place, Time, and Ritual Fruit
हिरण्यं जाठराग्नेस्तु वृद्धिदं वीर्यदं तथा । आज्यं पुष्टिकरं विद्याद्वस्त्रमायुष्करं विदुः
hiraṇyaṃ jāṭharāgnestu vṛddhidaṃ vīryadaṃ tathā | ājyaṃ puṣṭikaraṃ vidyādvastramāyuṣkaraṃ viduḥ
Gold is said to increase the digestive fire and to strengthen vital potency. Ghee should be known as that which nourishes; and clothing, the wise declare, bestows longevity.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva’s worship-related teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: Part of a general dharma-upadeśa on dāna and its worldly/otherworldly supports; not a Jyotirliṅga-specific narrative.
Significance: Highlights ‘sthiti’ values—health, vitality, nourishment, longevity—seen as supports for sustained vrata, pūjā, and mantra-sādhana directed to Śiva.
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse links righteous gifts and offerings with the maintenance of life-force and bodily purity, supporting sustained Shiva-worship; in Shaiva Siddhanta, such dharmic conduct steadies the aspirant so devotion and knowledge can mature toward grace (anugraha).
These items are commonly associated with puja-support and dharmic giving around temple worship—gold for sacred needs, ghee for lamps/oblations and nourishment, and cloth for honoring devotees—thereby serving Saguna Shiva (the Linga) through service, purity, and generosity.
Practice dana alongside Shiva-puja: offer ghee for deepa (lamp) and naivedya, give cloth to the needy or temple service, and dedicate the act to Shiva while repeating the Panchakshara mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with a resolve for purity and compassion.