Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 50
नदीनदसमुद्राणां तीरे रथ्यांतरे ऽपि वा । न जीर्णोद्यानगोष्ठादौ नानिष्टे न च निंदिते
nadīnadasamudrāṇāṃ tīre rathyāṃtare 'pi vā | na jīrṇodyānagoṣṭhādau nāniṣṭe na ca niṃdite
Di tepi sungai, anak sungai, dan laut, ataupun di tengah jalan, tapa-bhakti (vrata) pemujaan Śiva tidak patut dilakukan. Juga tidak di taman yang rusak, kandang sapi, dan tempat sejenis; apalagi di tempat yang tidak suci atau tercela.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Vāmadeva
Significance: Clarifies deśa-śuddhi for vrata and pūjā: even naturally sacred liminal edges (river/sea banks) are not automatically fit for a specific observance unless properly prepared; emphasizes intentional sanctification of space in Śaiva practice.
FAQs
It teaches that outer purity and appropriateness of place support inner steadiness (yoga) and devotion (bhakti); worship offered in a blameworthy or impure setting weakens concentration and the sanctity of the observance directed to Pati (Śiva).
Linga/Saguṇa-Śiva worship is done with prescribed ācamana, cleanliness, and a fit altar-space; this verse lists locations to avoid so the Linga-pūjā is performed in a consecrated, undisturbed, and respectable environment.
Select a clean, quiet, non-condemned place for japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and for pūjā with bhasma/Tripuṇḍra and rudrākṣa—avoiding distracting, impure, or socially censured locations.