Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 11
पूजास्थानशुद्धिः पात्रशोधनं च — Purification of the Worship-Space and Preparation of Ritual Vessels
कुशपुष्पयवव्रीहिबहुमूलतमालकान् । प्रक्षिपेत्प्रोक्षणीपात्रे भसितं च यथाक्रमम्
kuśapuṣpayavavrīhibahumūlatamālakān | prakṣipetprokṣaṇīpātre bhasitaṃ ca yathākramam
Ensuite, dans le vase destiné à l’aspersion (prokṣaṇa), qu’on dépose des fleurs de kuśa, de l’orge, du riz, l’herbe sacrée aux nombreuses racines et le tamālaka ; et qu’on ajoute la bhasma, selon l’ordre prescrit.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Vāyavīya teaching on Shaiva ritual procedure to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Significance: Prokṣaṇa (sprinkling) sanctifies space, implements, and the worshipper; in Siddhānta terms it ritually enacts loosening of pāśa (impurity/bondage) and prepares the paśu for Śiva’s presence and grace.
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that Shaiva worship is not casual but sacramental: sanctification begins by preparing prokṣaṇa (sprinkling water) with pure, sattvic substances and bhasma, symbolizing inner purification and surrender of ego to Pati (Shiva).
In Linga-pūjā to Saguna Shiva, prokṣaṇa is used to purify the worship space and implements; adding bhasma aligns the rite with Shiva’s mark (Tripuṇḍra) and the Shaiva identity of the worship, making the offering fit for the Linga.
It indicates a practical rite: prepare sanctified sprinkling water with kuśa, grains, sacred plants, and bhasma in prescribed order; inwardly, it supports meditation on purity and impermanence (bhasma) while maintaining disciplined, rule-based devotion.