Shiva Purana — Vidyesvara Samhita, Shloka 69
पार्थिवप्रतिमापूजाविधानम्
Pārthiva-pratimā Pūjā-vidhāna — Procedure for Worship of an Earthen Icon
ज्ञानं लब्ध्वा च देहांते विप्रो मुक्तिमवाप्नुयात् । अन्येषां नरनारीणां त्रिःस्नानेन जपेन च
jñānaṃ labdhvā ca dehāṃte vipro muktimavāpnuyāt | anyeṣāṃ naranārīṇāṃ triḥsnānena japena ca
Ayant obtenu la vraie connaissance spirituelle, un brāhmaṇa, à la fin du corps (à la mort), atteint la libération, mokṣa. Pour les autres hommes et femmes, on s’en approche par la discipline du bain trois fois par jour et par la pratique du japa, la répétition du mantra sacré, selon les observances purificatrices enseignées pour le culte de Śiva.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: The verse teaches a general soteriological rule: jñāna at life’s end yields mokṣa for the qualified seeker; for others, purification through nitya-śauca (triḥsnāna) and mantra-japa in Śiva-worship becomes the practical approach to liberation.
Significance: Frames liberation as accessible through Śiva-upāsanā: either via jñāna culminating at death, or via daily purificatory discipline and japa that gradually removes mala and prepares for Śiva’s grace.
FAQs
It presents a Shaiva path where liberating insight (jñāna) is primary, while disciplined purification and mantra-japa prepare and elevate those who are not established in such knowledge—both culminating in Shiva-grace and moksha.
Thrice-daily bathing and japa are classic preparatory observances for Saguna Shiva worship—approaching the Linga with purity and steady remembrance—through which the mind becomes fit for devotion and, ultimately, realization.
Regular triḥ-snana (threefold daily bathing) and japa—especially of Shiva-mantras such as the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya)—as a sustained daily discipline.