Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 26
शिवाश्रम-नित्यनैमित्तिककर्मविधिः / Śaiva Āśrama-Duties: Daily and Occasional Rites
Morning Purity & Bath Procedure
दूर्वापामार्गगव्यैश्च केवलेन जलेन वा । जानुभ्यां धरणीं गत्वा नत्वा देवं च मंडले
dūrvāpāmārgagavyaiśca kevalena jalena vā | jānubhyāṃ dharaṇīṃ gatvā natvā devaṃ ca maṃḍale
दूर्वा, अपामार्ग व गो-उत्पादांनी—किंवा केवळ शुद्ध जलानेही—दोन्ही गुडघ्यांवर भूमीवर जाऊन, पवित्र मंडलात देवास नम्र प्रणाम करावा।
Suta Goswami (narrating Shaiva ritual instruction as transmitted in the Vāyavīya tradition)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahadeva
Significance: Establishes adhikāra (fitness) for Śiva-pūjā through humility (namaskāra) and simple, sattvic upacāras; emphasizes that purity of bhāva can substitute for elaborate materials.
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches that inner humility and reverence are central to approaching Pati (Śiva): kneeling and bowing in the consecrated space symbolizes the surrender of ego (āṇava) and prepares the devotee for grace (anugraha).
The “maṇḍala” indicates the sanctified worship-area where the Linga/Saguna form is invoked; the verse emphasizes proper approach—purification with sacred materials (or even simple water) and respectful prostration before offering worship.
Perform basic purification with dūrvā, apāmārga, cow-products, or pure water; then kneel, bow, and mentally center on Śiva in the maṇḍala—ideally accompanied by japa of the Pañcākṣarī, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” while maintaining a surrendered attitude.