Shloka 57
प्रणवमहिमा — The Greatness of the Praṇava (Om) as Śiva
शिखोपवीते संत्यज्य कटिसूत्रादिकं ततः । विसृज्य प्राङ्मुखो गच्छेदुत्तराशामुखोपि वा
śikhopavīte saṃtyajya kaṭisūtrādikaṃ tataḥ | visṛjya prāṅmukho gaccheduttarāśāmukhopi vā
髻（śikhā）と聖紐（yajñopavīta）を捨て、さらに腰紐などの印も棄て去ったのち、東に面して、あるいは北に面して進みゆけ――定められたシヴァ派（Śaiva）の行に入るためである。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It emphasizes inner Śaiva orientation over social identity—renouncing external markers to approach Shiva (Pati) with single-minded discipline, a step aligned with loosening pāśa (bondage) in Shaiva Siddhanta.
By instructing preparatory renunciation and directional focus, it frames Linga-worship as a purified approach to Saguna Shiva—external simplification supports steadiness in mantra, dhyāna, and ritual attention.
A preparatory act of letting go of external insignia and proceeding in an auspicious orientation (east or north), typically as a prelude to Śiva-upāsanā such as mantra-japa (e.g., pañcākṣarī) and disciplined observance.