Shloka 6
पार्थिवप्रतिमापूजाविधानम्
Pārthiva-pratimā Pūjā-vidhāna — Procedure for Worship of an Earthen Icon
संशोध्य गंधचूर्णेन पेषयित्वा सुमंडपे । हस्तेन प्रतिमां कुर्यात्क्षीरेण च सुसंस्कृताम्
saṃśodhya gaṃdhacūrṇena peṣayitvā sumaṃḍape | hastena pratimāṃ kuryātkṣīreṇa ca susaṃskṛtām
After purifying it with fragrant powders and grinding it well within a fine pavilion, one should fashion the sacred image by hand, duly refined and prepared with milk.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the Śiva-pūjā procedure to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Sthala Purana: General instruction for pratimā-nirmāṇa (icon-making) as part of Śiva-pūjā; not tied to a single Jyotirliṅga legend.
Significance: Highlights saṃskāra (refinement) of materials and mind: purification, grinding, and milk-processing as outer correlates of inner śuddhi before approaching Śiva.
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches that external purity and careful preparation are supports for inner purity; a well-prepared icon becomes a fit focus for devotion (bhakti) toward Saguna Śiva, helping the mind steady itself for grace.
Although Śiva is ultimately Nirguṇa, the Purāṇa affirms worship through a tangible form (pratimā/liṅga) for devotees; preparing the form with purity (fragrance, milk, proper processing) aligns the worshipper with ritual propriety and reverence.
It suggests pūjā-preparation: purifying materials with fragrant powders, grinding and refining them, and crafting the worship-form in an auspicious maṇḍapa—an outer discipline that supports focused japa and contemplation during Śiva-worship.