Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 58
पूजाविधिः
Pūjā-vidhiḥ) — The Supreme Procedure of Worship (Morning Observances
सुगंधं चंदनं दद्यादन्यलेपानि यत्नतः । ससुगंधजलेनैव जलधारां प्रकल्पयेत्
sugaṃdhaṃ caṃdanaṃ dadyādanyalepāni yatnataḥ | sasugaṃdhajalenaiva jaladhārāṃ prakalpayet
Dengan penuh cermat, hendaklah dipersembahkan cendana yang harum serta sapuan wangi yang lain; dan dengan air berharum itu sahaja, hendaklah diatur aliran air yang berterusan sebagai abhiṣeka, persembahan siraman suci kepada Tuhan Śiva.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva-worship procedure to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahadeva
Sthala Purana: General liṅga-sevā: gandha (sandal/unguents) and jaladhārā (continuous water stream) are classic upacāras; the verse functions as a ritual rubric rather than a site legend.
Significance: Continuous jaladhārā symbolizes unbroken devotion (akhaṇḍa-bhakti) and steady purification; fragrant unguents signify honoring Śiva as the supreme, auspicious presence in the icon.
Role: nurturing
Offering: dhupa
FAQs
It teaches that devotion to Shiva should be expressed through purity, fragrance, and attentive care—outer offerings like sandal and scented water symbolize inner refinement, steadiness of mind, and reverence toward Pati (Shiva), the liberator of the bound soul.
The verse directly describes Linga-upachara: applying sandal/unguents and performing abhisheka with a continuous stream of scented water. This is Saguna worship—approaching Shiva through a sacred form—while cultivating the inner awareness that Shiva is the supreme Pati beyond form.
Perform jaladhārā (steady abhisheka) with scented water and offer sandalwood paste; accompany it with focused japa such as the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” maintaining a calm, continuous attention like the unbroken flow of water.