Shloka 145
Praṇava-Māhātmya and the Twofold Mantra (Sūkṣma–Sthūla) in Śaiva Sādhanā
उद्दिश्य पूजयेदादिपितरं शिवमेव हि । पूजां कृत्वादिमातुश्च शिवभक्तांश्च पूजयेत्
uddiśya pūjayedādipitaraṃ śivameva hi | pūjāṃ kṛtvādimātuśca śivabhaktāṃśca pūjayet
With the right intention, one should worship the Primordial Father—none other than Lord Śiva. After completing worship of the Primordial Mother as well, one should also honor and worship the devotees of Śiva.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Sthala Purana: The ‘Ādipitā/Ādimātā’ framing aligns with Purāṇic cosmogonic devotion: worship of the primordial divine couple is treated as the root of all auspiciousness; honoring bhaktas follows as the living extension of that worship.
Significance: Teaches a hierarchy of reverence: worship Śiva (Ādipitā), worship Śakti (Ādimātā), then worship Śiva’s devotees—integrating theology with social-religious practice.
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: creative
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches that true Śaiva worship is not only ritual toward Śiva (Pati) but also reverence to Śakti and respect for Śiva’s devotees—devotion becomes complete when it expresses humility, service, and recognition of the divine presence in the bhaktas.
Linga/Saguṇa worship is fulfilled by right intention (uddiśya) and by honoring Śiva as the primordial source; the verse also implies that worship is not confined to the icon alone—Śiva is honored through His śakti and through those who live in His devotion.
Perform Śiva-pūjā with clear sankalpa, include worship of the Divine Mother (Śakti), and conclude by offering respect, hospitality, or service to Śiva-bhaktas as an essential closing act of the rite.