Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 34
मन्त्रसिद्धिः, प्रतिबन्धनिरासः, श्रद्धा-नियमाः
Mantra Efficacy, Removal of Obstacles, and the Role of Faith/Discipline
नीलोत्पलाद्युत्पलानि बिल्वपत्राण्यनेकशः । कमलानि च रक्तानि श्वेतान्यपि च शंभवे
nīlotpalādyutpalāni bilvapatrāṇyanekaśaḥ | kamalāni ca raktāni śvetānyapi ca śaṃbhave
Qu’on offre des lotus bleus et d’autres lotus, de nombreuses feuilles de bilva; et que des lotus rouges comme des blancs soient aussi présentés à Śambhu (le Seigneur Śiva).
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: General liṅga-pūjā instruction: bilva and lotus offerings are singled out as especially dear to Śambhu; the verse functions as a dravya-nirdeśa (specification of materials).
Significance: Merit through offering bilva and lotuses: cultivation of bhakti and inner purity; in Siddhānta terms, it supports caryā/kriyā leading toward Śiva’s grace.
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches that loving devotion (bhakti) is concretely expressed through pure offerings—especially bilva leaves and lotus-flowers—made to Śambhu, the compassionate Lord who accepts sincere worship and elevates the devotee toward grace.
The verse supports Saguna Shiva worship by prescribing traditional upacāras (offerings) suitable for Linga-puja—flowers and bilva leaves—showing how the transcendent Pati is approached through a sanctified form and ritual devotion.
Perform Shiva-puja by offering bilva leaves and red/white/blue lotuses with reverence, ideally while repeating the Panchākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” keeping the mind steady in devotion.