Shloka 139
Praṇava-Māhātmya and the Twofold Mantra (Sūkṣma–Sthūla) in Śaiva Sādhanā
पूजयेच्च शिवं शक्तिं स शिवो मूलभावनात् । शिवभक्ताञ्छिवमंत्ररूपकाञ्छिवरूपकान्
pūjayecca śivaṃ śaktiṃ sa śivo mūlabhāvanāt | śivabhaktāñchivamaṃtrarūpakāñchivarūpakān
One should worship Śiva together with Śakti; for by the fundamental contemplation of their root reality, that worshipper becomes Śiva-like. One should also honor Śiva’s devotees—who are embodiments of Śiva’s mantra and veritable forms of Śiva Himself.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Type: panchakshara
Shakti Form: Umā
Role: nurturing
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches that true Śaiva worship includes Śiva united with Śakti, and that reverence to Śiva’s devotees is direct reverence to Śiva—because devotion and mantra transform the devotee into a living vessel of Śiva’s presence.
In Linga/Saguṇa worship, Śiva is approached through sacred form and mantra; this verse extends that principle by stating that devotees who live by Śiva-mantra are also to be honored as Śiva’s manifestation, reinforcing devotional service (sevā) as part of ritual worship.
Perform Śiva–Śakti pūjā with steady mūla-bhāvanā (root contemplation of their divine unity), and practice bhakta-pūjā—serving Śiva’s devotees—along with regular japa of Śiva-mantra (especially the Pañcākṣarī, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”).