Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 25
गणेशाभिषेक-वरदान-विधानम् | Gaṇeśa’s Consecration, Boons, and Prescribed Worship
ब्रह्मोवाच । इत्युक्त्वा स गणेशानो नानावस्तुभिरादरात् । शिवेन पूजितः पूर्वं विष्णुनानु प्रपूजितः
brahmovāca | ityuktvā sa gaṇeśāno nānāvastubhirādarāt | śivena pūjitaḥ pūrvaṃ viṣṇunānu prapūjitaḥ
Brahmā berkata: Setelah berkata demikian, Sang Gaṇeśa dengan penuh hormat dipuja dengan beragam persembahan; mula-mula oleh Śiva, lalu oleh Viṣṇu juga secara layak.
Brahma
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Significance: Models proper devatā-krama: even Viṣṇu follows Śiva’s lead in honoring Gaṇeśa; reinforces that auspicious beginnings (vighna-śānti) are secured under Śiva’s overarching grace.
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
The verse establishes dharmic order in worship: even great deities honour Gaṇeśa with reverence. In a Śaiva Siddhānta lens, this reflects disciplined devotion (bhakti) and proper approach to grace—removing obstacles before higher contemplation of Śiva.
It supports the customary sequence in Saguna worship: begin with Gaṇeśa-pūjā to remove impediments, then proceed to Śiva’s worship (including Liṅga-pūjā). The narrative shows Śiva Himself modelling correct ritual conduct.
A practical takeaway is to commence Śiva-pūjā with respectful Gaṇeśa invocation and offerings, then continue with Śiva practices such as japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and traditional Śaiva observances like bhasma (tripuṇḍra) where appropriate.