Shloka 55
पूजांते स्थापयेल्लिंगं संपुटेषु पृथग्गृहे । करपूजानि वृत्तानां स्वभोज्यं तु निवेदयेत्
pūjāṃte sthāpayelliṃgaṃ saṃpuṭeṣu pṛthaggṛhe | karapūjāni vṛttānāṃ svabhojyaṃ tu nivedayet
At the close of the worship, one should duly install the Śiva-liṅga in its proper protective casket in a separate place. Then, according to one’s means and prescribed observance, one should perform the concluding hand-offerings (karapūjā) and offer as naivedya the food fit for one’s own consumption—dedicating it first to Lord Śiva.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: Highlights nitya-arcana discipline: safeguarding the liṅga (saṃpuṭa) and concluding offerings cultivate steadiness and reverence, a practical aid to gradual purification (mala-kṣaya).
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
It teaches that Śiva-pūjā is completed through reverent closure: the Liṅga is protected and respectfully kept, and the devotee offers what is genuinely fit to eat as naivedya—expressing sincerity, purity, and surrender (śaraṇāgati) to Pati (Śiva).
The Liṅga is Saguna Śiva’s accessible form for daily devotion; placing it in a saṃpuṭa and in a dedicated space underscores sanctity and discipline, while naivedya affirms a living relationship of service (seva) to Śiva as Lord and refuge.
Conclude worship by placing the Liṅga properly, then perform the final offering (karapūjā/closing rites) and offer naivedya made from pure, personally acceptable food; this can be accompanied by japa of the Panchākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya.”