Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 5
पूजाविधिः
Pūjā-vidhiḥ) — The Supreme Procedure of Worship (Morning Observances
इत्युक्त्वा वचनं भक्त्या स्मृत्वा च गुरुपादके । बहिर्गच्छेद्दक्षिणाशां त्यागार्थं मलमूत्रयोः
ityuktvā vacanaṃ bhaktyā smṛtvā ca gurupādake | bahirgaccheddakṣiṇāśāṃ tyāgārthaṃ malamūtrayoḥ
असे बोलून भक्तिभावाने गुरूंच्या चरणांचे स्मरण करीत, मलमूत्रत्यागासाठी दक्षिण दिशेकडे बाहेर जावे.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Significance: Establishes śauca (outer purity) as a prerequisite for pūjā; supports eligibility (adhikāra) for Śiva-upāsanā.
FAQs
It teaches Shaiva sadācāra: even ordinary bodily acts should be done with discipline and humility, beginning with devotion and remembrance of the Guru, so that outer cleanliness supports inner purity for Shiva-bhakti.
Linga-worship emphasizes śauca (purity) and reverence; by going outside and observing proper direction and decorum, the devotee maintains ritual cleanliness and a focused mind fit for Saguna Shiva worship and temple/home puja.
Before stepping out for elimination, mentally bow to the Guru’s feet (guru-smaraṇa) and follow cleanliness rules; afterward one should bathe/cleanse and resume japa or puja, aligning daily life with devotional discipline.