Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 20
पूजास्थानशुद्धिः पात्रशोधनं च — Purification of the Worship-Space and Preparation of Ritual Vessels
संपूज्य लिङ्गं तैर्द्रव्यैर्निर्माल्यमपनोदयेत् । प्रक्षाल्य पुष्पं शिरसि न्यसेत्तस्य विशुद्धये
saṃpūjya liṅgaṃ tairdravyairnirmālyamapanodayet | prakṣālya puṣpaṃ śirasi nyasettasya viśuddhaye
Après avoir vénéré dûment le Śiva-liṅga avec ces offrandes, qu’on ôte les fleurs utilisées et les autres restes (nirmālya). Les ayant rincés, qu’on pose la fleur sur la tête pour sa purification, comme reliquat sanctifié du culte de Śiva.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva worship procedures to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Significance: Teaches correct handling of nirmālya as Śiva-prasāda; promotes ritual purity and receptivity to grace (anugraha).
Role: liberating
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches that Śiva-pūjā is completed with reverent closure: removing nirmālya respectfully and receiving the sanctified remainder as a means of inner purification, aligning the devotee (paśu) toward the Lord (Pati) through disciplined devotion.
The liṅga is Saguna Śiva’s accessible form for worship; the verse emphasizes proper upacāra—offerings, respectful removal of used items, and honoring the consecrated flower—showing that material acts can carry spiritual sanctity when offered to Śiva.
After completing liṅga-pūjā, remove the nirmālya, rinse the flower, and place it on the head as a purified, Śiva-blessed remainder—while mentally retaining devotion and purity (often accompanied by silent remembrance of the Panchākṣarī, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”).