Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 52
Nimi Questions the Yogendras: Māyā, Cosmic Dissolution, Guru-Śaraṇāgati, Bhakti, and Deity Worship
साङ्गोपाङ्गां सपार्षदां तां तां मूर्तिं स्वमन्त्रत: । पाद्यार्घ्याचमनीयाद्यै: स्नानवासोविभूषणै: ॥ ५२ ॥ गन्धमाल्याक्षतस्रग्भिर्धूपदीपोपहारकै: । साङ्गंसम्पूज्य विधिवत् स्तवै: स्तुत्वा नमेद्धरिम् ॥ ५३ ॥
sāṅgopāṅgāṁ sa-pārṣadāṁ tāṁ tāṁ mūrtiṁ sva-mantrataḥ pādyārghyācamanīyādyaiḥ snāna-vāso-vibhūṣaṇaiḥ
On doit adorer la Déité avec les membres de Son corps transcendantal, Ses armes telles que le cakra Sudarśana, Ses autres attributs et Ses compagnons personnels. Chaque aspect est honoré par son mantra propre, avec l’eau pour laver les pieds, l’eau parfumée, l’eau pour se rincer la bouche, le bain, de beaux vêtements et ornements, des fragrances, des guirlandes, des grains entiers, l’encens et les lampes. Après avoir ainsi accompli l’adoration complète selon la règle, on glorifie Śrī Hari par des prières et l’on se prosterne devant Lui.
Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī has mentioned that akṣata, or unbroken barleycorns (mentioned in verse 53), are to be used in decorating the Deity with tilaka, and not in the actual pūjā. Nākṣatair arcayed viṣṇuṁ na ketakyā maheśvaram: “Lord Viṣṇu should not be worshiped with unbroken barleycorns, and Lord Śiva should not be worshiped with ketakī flowers.”
FAQs
It teaches that one should worship the Lord’s Deity form with proper services—such as pādya (washing the feet), arghya (respectful welcome), ācamanīya (sipping water), bathing, garments, and ornaments—using one’s authorized mantra.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī is describing the proper method of devotional worship as part of his teachings to King Parīkṣit in the Eleventh Canto.
Even simple home worship can follow this mood: approach the Lord respectfully, offer clean water and basic items according to one’s capacity, and serve with mantra, cleanliness, and devotion rather than mere ritual.