Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 1
अग्निकार्य-होमविधिः
Agnikārya and Homa Procedure
उपमन्युरुवाच । अथाग्निकार्यं वक्ष्यामि कुण्डे वा स्थंडिले ऽपि वा । वेद्यां वा ह्यायसे पात्रे मृन्मये वा नवे शुभे
upamanyuruvāca | athāgnikāryaṃ vakṣyāmi kuṇḍe vā sthaṃḍile 'pi vā | vedyāṃ vā hyāyase pātre mṛnmaye vā nave śubhe
Upamanyu bersabda: “Kini akan kujelaskan tata upacara api suci—baik dilakukan di kuṇḍa, di altar tanah (sthaṇḍila), di vedī, dalam bejana besi, atau dalam periuk tanah liat yang baru dan mujur.”
Upamanyu
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Significance: Instruction on agni-rite frames disciplined worship as a stabilizing sādhana (sthiti) that purifies the bound soul and supports steady devotion.
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse emphasizes that the sanctity of Shiva-oriented worship is grounded in disciplined intention and proper procedure, not merely in elaborate materials—multiple valid settings for the sacred fire are permitted when performed with purity and reverence.
Agni-karya functions as an auxiliary rite supporting Saguna Shiva worship, where offerings and consecrated actions help steady devotion and focus the mind toward Shiva’s gracious presence in worship, including Linga-puja.
It points to performing a regulated fire-offering setup (in a kuṇḍa, on a sthaṇḍila/vedi, or in suitable vessels), implying careful preparation and purity—often paired in Shaiva practice with mantra-japa (such as the Panchakshara) during offerings.