Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 9
समयाह्वय-संस्कारः — Rite of ‘Samayāhvaya’ and the Preparatory Layout
Maṇḍapa, Vedi, Kuṇḍas, Maṇḍala, Śiva-kumbha
कृत्वा शोभोपशोभाढ्यमैशान्यां तस्य कल्पयेत् । एकहस्तं तदर्धं वा पुनर्वेद्यः तु मंडलम्
kṛtvā śobhopaśobhāḍhyamaiśānyāṃ tasya kalpayet | ekahastaṃ tadardhaṃ vā punarvedyaḥ tu maṃḍalam
Après l’avoir préparé, qu’on aménage dans le quart nord‑est (Īśāna) un espace richement embelli de parures auspiciantes. Puis, sur l’autel de nouveau, qu’on trace un maṇḍala d’une hasta—ou de la moitié de cette mesure.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Īśāna
FAQs
It teaches that outer order supports inner purification: preparing a beautiful, auspicious space—especially in the Īśāna (Shiva-presiding) direction—helps the devotee steady mind and intention for Shaiva worship leading toward grace (anugraha) and liberation.
The verse gives procedural guidance for arranging the worship area and drawing the maṇḍala on the altar—supporting Saguna Shiva worship through the Linga, where sacred geometry and directionality (Īśāna) frame the devotee’s focused offering.
Prepare the altar, emphasize the north-east (Īśāna) sector, and draw a worship maṇḍala of one hasta or half-hasta; then proceed with disciplined puja—typically accompanied by mantra-japa such as the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) where applicable.