Shloka 6
Kṣaura-Snāna-Vidhi — Rite of Tonsure/Shaving and Purificatory Bath (Śaiva Procedure)
अस्त्रेणोन्मील्य संदृश्य क्षुरा दिक्षौ रसाधनम् । अभिमन्त्र्य द्वादशाथ प्रोक्षयेदस्त्रमंत्रतः
astreṇonmīlya saṃdṛśya kṣurā dikṣau rasādhanam | abhimantrya dvādaśātha prokṣayedastramaṃtrataḥ
अस्त्र-मंत्र से उसे ‘उन्मीलित’ करके और भली-भाँति देखकर, उस्तरा तथा अभिषिक्त रस-द्रव्य को मंत्र से अभिमंत्रित करे। फिर बारह बार जप करके, शुद्धि और रक्षा हेतु अस्त्र-मंत्र से उनका प्रोक्षण करे।
Suta Goswami (narrating the Kailasa Samhita teachings to the sages, conveying Shiva’s ritual injunctions)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Type: kavaca
Shakti Form: Durgā
Role: protective
FAQs
It teaches that Shaiva practice is not merely external action: implements and substances are ‘awakened’ by mantra and purified by aspersion, showing that mantra-shakti sanctifies ritual so it becomes a means toward inner purity and liberation under Pati (Shiva).
In Saguna Shiva worship, the Linga is approached through carefully purified and protected rites; the Astra-mantra functions as a protective, consecrating force so offerings and preparations become fit for Shiva’s presence and grace.
A practical takeaway is mantra-empowerment and protective sprinkling: recite the Astra-mantra (here indicated twelve times) to consecrate tools and materials before a Shaiva rite, maintaining ritual purity and focused awareness.