Shloka 52
Kṣetra–Kāla–Phala-kramaḥ
Hierarchy of Sacred Place, Time, and Ritual Fruit
कदल्याद्यौषधीनां च फलं गुल्मोद्भवं तथा । माषादीनां च मुद्गानां फलं शाकादिकं तथा
kadalyādyauṣadhīnāṃ ca phalaṃ gulmodbhavaṃ tathā | māṣādīnāṃ ca mudgānāṃ phalaṃ śākādikaṃ tathā
Likewise, the fruits and produce that arise from medicinal plants such as the banana, and those that arise from shrubs; and likewise the produce of pulses such as black gram and green gram—together with leafy vegetables and similar foods—are to be understood as acceptable offerings in Śiva’s worship.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Jyotirlinga: Viśvanātha
Sthala Purana: In the Viśveśvarasaṃhitā’s Kashi-centered teaching, Śiva as Viśveśvara is pleased by simple, sattvic upacāras; the emphasis is that readily available produce may be offered with devotion rather than costly items.
Significance: Affirms that even ordinary, locally available foods can become sacred when offered to Viśveśvara; supports the bhāva (intent) of the pilgrim and householder alike.
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
It affirms that Śiva accepts sincere devotion expressed through simple, wholesome offerings—fruits, herbs, pulses, and vegetables—showing that bhakti (not extravagance) is central to Śaiva worship.
In Linga/Saguṇa-Śiva pūjā, naivedya is offered as a loving act of service (upacāra). This verse lists everyday plant-based foods as suitable, emphasizing accessible worship of the manifested Lord.
Offer sattvic naivedya (fruits, pulses, vegetables) to the Śiva-liṅga with purity, then mentally dedicate the act while repeating the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya.”