Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 56
पूजास्थानशुद्धिः पात्रशोधनं च — Purification of the Worship-Space and Preparation of Ritual Vessels
दत्त्वा नीराजनं कुर्यात्सर्वमंगलनिस्वनैः । गीतनृत्यादिभिश्चैव जयशब्दसमन्वितः
dattvā nīrājanaṃ kuryātsarvamaṃgalanisvanaiḥ | gītanṛtyādibhiścaiva jayaśabdasamanvitaḥ
Après avoir offert le nīrājana (ārati), qu’on l’accomplisse au milieu de tous les sons de bon augure, accompagné de chants, de danses et autres, retentissant des cris de « Victoire ! », en adoration dévotionnelle de Śiva dans Sa présence manifestée (saguṇa).
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Naṭarāja
Significance: Nīrājana with maṅgala-nāda, gīta and nṛtya ritualizes communal bhakti; in Siddhānta terms it supports the paśu’s turning toward Pati, preparing receptivity for anugraha.
Mantra: jaya (जय)
Type: stotra
Offering: dipa
FAQs
It teaches that devotion to Śiva is not only internal contemplation but also sacred, joy-filled expression—offering ārati with auspicious sounds that uplift the mind and sanctify the space, aligning the devotee with Śiva’s grace.
Nīrājana is a direct act of saguṇa-upāsanā—honoring Śiva as present and approachable in the Liṅga or consecrated form—where music, dance, and victory acclamations become offerings that intensify reverence and loving surrender.
Perform ārati after the main pūjā, keeping the mind fixed on Śiva; accompany it with maṅgala sounds (bells, chants), devotional singing and dance, and “jaya” acclamations—maintaining bhakti and purity of intention throughout.