Shloka 5
पार्थिवप्रतिमापूजाविधानम्
Pārthiva-pratimā Pūjā-vidhāna — Procedure for Worship of an Earthen Icon
पुरुषाणां च नारीणामधिकारोत्र निश्चितम् । नद्यां तडागे कूपे वा जलांतर्मृदमाहरेत्
puruṣāṇāṃ ca nārīṇāmadhikārotra niścitam | nadyāṃ taḍāge kūpe vā jalāṃtarmṛdamāharet
Here it is firmly established that both men and women are entitled to this observance. One should gather sacred clay from within the water—whether from a river, a pond, or a well.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: Not a specific Jyotirliṅga episode; the verse gives a general Śiva-pūjā rule about sourcing mṛd (sacred clay) from water-bodies for ritual purity and efficacy.
Significance: Affirms universal adhikāra (eligibility) for the observance and prescribes a purity-source (jalāntar-mṛd) that sacralizes the worshipper’s preparation.
FAQs
It affirms equal spiritual eligibility for Shiva’s observances and emphasizes purity in worship by prescribing the proper, sanctified source of clay—taken from within clean waters—supporting disciplined devotion (bhakti) aligned with dharma.
Linga-worship commonly includes preparatory acts of purification and the use of sacred substances (such as ash/clay for Tripuṇḍra or ritual cleanliness). By regulating how sacred clay is obtained, the verse safeguards the sanctity of external worship of Saguna Shiva while orienting the mind toward inner reverence.
Collect sacred clay from within the water of a river/pond/well for use in purification-related rites (often connected with Tripuṇḍra/Bhasma observance in Shaiva practice), performed with a devotional mindset and remembrance of Shiva.