Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 19
साधक-दीक्षा तथा मन्त्रसाधन
Puraścaraṇa and the Discipline of the Mantra-Sādhaka
चरुं भक्ष्यमथो सक्तुकणान्यावकमेव च । शाकं पयो दधि घृतं मूलं फलमथोदकम्
caruṃ bhakṣyamatho saktukaṇānyāvakameva ca | śākaṃ payo dadhi ghṛtaṃ mūlaṃ phalamathodakam
चरु, भक्ष्य, सत्तू के कण, और आवक; शाक, दूध, दही, घी, मूल, फल तथा जल—ये सब शिव-पूजन और व्रतों में शुद्ध आहार (अर्पण-योग्य) माने गए हैं।
Suta Goswami (narrating the Vāyavīya teachings to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Significance: Defines sāttvika/śuci naivedya for sustaining vrata and daily worship (sthiti): purity of diet supports steadiness of mind and continuity of Śiva-sādhana.
Role: nurturing
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
It highlights sāttvika simplicity—pure, non-violent, and easily obtainable foods—supporting inner purity (śuddhi) so devotion to Pati (Śiva) can mature into grace-bestowing worship.
These items are standard, pure offerings used in Saguna worship—especially in Linga-pūjā (e.g., milk, curd, ghee, water). Offering them with mantra and humility trains the mind toward Śiva while honoring ritual propriety.
Adopt a restrained, sāttvika diet and offer simple substances (water, milk, curd, ghee, fruits) in Śiva-pūjā while reciting the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), maintaining purity and steadiness of mind.