Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 26
शिवज्ञान-प्रश्नः तथा सृष्टौ शिवस्य स्वयमाविर्भावः
Inquiry into Śiva-knowledge and Śiva’s self-manifestation in creation
कस्याधिकारः पूजायां वक्तुमर्हसि तत्त्वतः । ततः सस्मितमालोक्य देवीं देववरोहरः
kasyādhikāraḥ pūjāyāṃ vaktumarhasi tattvataḥ | tataḥ sasmitamālokya devīṃ devavaroharaḥ
“പൂജയിൽ യഥാർത്ഥത്തിൽ ആര്ക്കാണ് അധികാരം? തത്ത്വപ്രകാരം നീ അത് പറയാൻ യോഗ്യയാണ്.” എന്നു പറഞ്ഞ് ദേവശ്രേഷ്ഠൻ മന്ദസ്മിതത്തോടെ ദേവിയെ നോക്കി।
Lord Shiva (inferred, addressing the Goddess within a philosophical dialogue of the Vāyavīyasaṃhitā)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Sthala Purana: Not a specific Jyotirliṅga episode; the verse frames a doctrinal inquiry on pūjā-adhikāra within a Śiva–Devī teaching context.
Significance: Establishes that true eligibility for worship is grounded in tattva-jñāna and Śiva’s grace (anugraha), a prerequisite for fruitful pilgrimage and ritual.
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: teaching
FAQs
It frames worship as requiring true inner eligibility (adhikāra)—purity of intention, devotion, and right understanding—rather than mere external status, aligning with Shaiva Siddhanta emphasis on grace and disciplined devotion.
By asking who is truly qualified to worship, the verse points to the principle that Linga/Saguna worship becomes fruitful when performed with right disposition—bhakti, humility, and adherence to Shaiva dharma—so the outward rite matches inward surrender to Shiva.
The implied takeaway is to cultivate eligibility through daily Shiva upāsanā—japa of the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), disciplined conduct, and sincere puja—so worship arises from inner readiness rather than form alone.