Shloka 8
Śiva-Pūjākramaḥ — The Procedural Order of Shiva Worship
Pañcāvaraṇa & Upacāras
आवाहयामि नम इत्यावाह्यार्घोदकेन तु । पाद्यमाचमनं चार्घ्यं वस्त्रगन्धाक्षतानपि
āvāhayāmi nama ityāvāhyārghodakena tu | pādyamācamanaṃ cārghyaṃ vastragandhākṣatānapi
「我は招請す、汝に礼拝す」と誦して、アルギャの水をもってシヴァをお迎えする。ついで足を洗う水、アーチャマナ（口すすぎ・啜り）の水、再びアルギャを供え、さらに衣・香・アクシャタ（砕けぬ米粒）を捧げる。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Mantra: āvāhayāmi namaḥ
Type: stotra
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It teaches that devotion becomes steady when worship is performed with reverent order—invoking Śiva and offering respectful services. In Shaiva Siddhanta, such disciplined pūjā purifies the pashu (bound soul) and turns attention toward Pati (Lord Śiva), preparing the mind for grace (anugraha).
The verse describes āvāhana and upacāras—standard steps of Saguna worship—commonly directed to the Śiva-liṅga. By treating the Liṅga as the living presence of Śiva and offering pādya, ācamana, arghya, cloth, fragrance, and akṣata, the devotee establishes intimate devotional relationship while honoring Śiva’s immanence.
Perform āvāhana with the mantra-like phrase “āvāhayāmi, namaḥ,” then offer arghya-water, pādya, ācamana, arghya, and symbolic offerings like gandha and akṣata. Meditatively, each offering can be made with the feeling of surrender—placing the senses and actions at Śiva’s feet.