Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 56
पुष्पार्पण-विनिर्णयः
Determination of Flower-Offerings to Śiva
तेषां च पूजनादेव शत्रोर्मृत्युरुदाहृतः । आढकीनां दलैश्चैव शोभयित्वार्चयेच्छिवम्
teṣāṃ ca pūjanādeva śatrormṛtyurudāhṛtaḥ | āḍhakīnāṃ dalaiścaiva śobhayitvārcayecchivam
Par le seul culte accompli avec ces offrandes, il est proclamé que survient la mort (c’est-à-dire la destruction) de l’ennemi. Après avoir orné de feuilles d’āḍhakī, qu’on adore le Seigneur Śiva.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the ritual fruits of Śiva-pūjā to the sages)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It highlights the phala (fruit) of devoted Śiva-pūjā: when worship is performed with faith and proper offerings, hostile forces are said to be neutralized—symbolizing the destruction of inner enemies like anger, jealousy, and fear under Śiva’s grace (Pati) that loosens bondage (pāśa).
The instruction to beautify with leaves and then worship indicates Saguna-upāsanā—honoring Śiva through tangible symbols like the Liṅga and ritual adornment. In Śaiva Siddhānta, such reverent worship purifies the devotee and prepares the soul (paśu) for Śiva’s liberating grace.
Perform leaf-offering worship: decorate the Liṅga/altar with āḍhakī leaves and offer them with mantra and devotion (commonly alongside japa of the Pañcākṣarī, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), praying for protection and the removal of adversities.