Shloka 48
पार्थिवप्रतिमापूजाविधानम्
Pārthiva-pratimā Pūjā-vidhāna — Procedure for Worship of an Earthen Icon
कार्तिके देवयजनं सर्वभोगप्रदं भवेत् । व्याधीनां हरणं चैव भवेद्भूतग्रहक्षयः
kārtike devayajanaṃ sarvabhogapradaṃ bhavet | vyādhīnāṃ haraṇaṃ caiva bhavedbhūtagrahakṣayaḥ
If one performs devayajana—worship of the Deity—in the month of Kārttika, it becomes a giver of every worthy enjoyment and blessing. It also removes diseases and brings about the pacification and destruction of afflictions caused by spirits (bhūtas) and grahas (seizing influences).
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the teaching of the Śiva Purāṇa to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Vaidyanātha
Jyotirlinga: Vaidyanātha
Sthala Purana: Vaidyanātha is famed as the ‘Lord as Physician’; Purāṇic traditions connect the liṅga with healing boons and the restoration of wellbeing through Śiva’s favor, making ‘vyādhi-haraṇa’ (removal of disease) a characteristic fruit.
Significance: Pilgrims seek relief from illness and afflictions and pray for both protection and spiritual uplift; Kārttika worship is portrayed as especially potent for wellbeing and warding off negative influences.
Role: nurturing
Offering: dhupa
FAQs
It teaches that Kārttika worship purifies the devotee’s embodied life—granting lawful enjoyments while also cleansing suffering (disease) and subtle afflictions—showing Śiva’s grace as both protector and purifier.
Devayajana here is best understood as Saguna Śiva worship—often through the Śiva-liṅga—where disciplined offerings and remembrance invite Śiva’s anugraha (grace) that neutralizes both gross and subtle disturbances.
Perform devayajana in Kārttika: regular Śiva-pūjā (especially liṅga-abhiṣeka), japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), and maintaining purity and devotion for protection and healing.