Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 44
Nāgeśa-jyotirliṅga-prādurbhāvaḥ — The Manifestation of the Nāgeśa Jyotirliṅga
यदि पूजा न जाता चेन्न भुनक्ति तदा तु सः । अतस्तत्रापि वैश्योऽसौ चकार शिवपूजनम्
yadi pūjā na jātā cenna bhunakti tadā tu saḥ | atastatrāpi vaiśyo'sau cakāra śivapūjanam
“ಪೂಜೆ ಆಗದೇ ಇದ್ದರೆ ಅವನು ಊಟ ಮಾಡುವುದಿಲ್ಲ” ಎಂದು ಭಾವಿಸಿ, ಆ ವೈಶ್ಯನು ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಕೂಡ ಶಿವಪೂಜೆಯನ್ನು ನೆರವೇರಿಸಿದನು.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
It emphasizes niyama (disciplined restraint): a devotee treats Śiva-pūjā as primary, and only after honoring Pati (Lord Śiva) does one enjoy worldly sustenance—showing bhakti guided by dharma.
The verse highlights practical devotion—performing Śiva-pūjan before enjoyment—typically expressed in Kotirudra contexts as Linga worship at sacred sites (Jyotirlinga-tīrthas), where Saguna worship becomes a direct means to grace.
A simple vrata-like rule is implied: do not eat before Śiva-pūjā. This can be paired with offering water/bilva to the Liṅga and mentally repeating the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya.”