Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 1
पूजाविधान-व्याख्या (Pūjāvidhāna-vyākhyā) — Exposition of the Procedure of Worship
उपमन्युरुवाच । व्याख्यां पूजाविधानस्य प्रवदामि समासतः । शिवशास्त्रे शिवेनैव शिवायै कथितस्य तु
upamanyuruvāca | vyākhyāṃ pūjāvidhānasya pravadāmi samāsataḥ | śivaśāstre śivenaiva śivāyai kathitasya tu
Upamanyu dit : J’exposerai brièvement l’explication de la méthode prescrite du culte, telle qu’enseignée dans le Śiva-śāstra—parole que Śiva Lui-même adressa à Śivā (Pārvatī).
Upamanyu
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Sthala Purana: Introduces the authority chain for pūjā-vidhi: Śiva teaches Śivā within Śiva-śāstra; Upamanyu transmits a concise vyākhyā. This functions as scriptural pramāṇa rather than a local legend.
Significance: Establishes that correct worship is grounded in Śiva’s own instruction (āgama-like authority), encouraging pilgrims and householders to align practice with śāstra rather than mere custom.
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: teaching
FAQs
It establishes that Śiva-pūjā is not merely personal preference but a revealed discipline (śāstra) rooted in Śiva’s own instruction, making worship a direct means to grace (anugraha) and liberation in the Shaiva Siddhanta spirit.
By introducing “pūjāvidhāna” from the Śiva-śāstra, it points toward regulated Saguna worship—commonly centered on the Śiva-liṅga—as the practical doorway through which devotees approach the transcendent (Nirguṇa) Śiva.
The verse signals adherence to an authorized Shiva-pūjā method—typically including mantra-japa (notably the Panchakshara), purity disciplines, and formal offerings—rather than improvised worship.