Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 17
अनुग्रह-स्वातन्त्र्य-प्रमाणविचारः | Inquiry into Pramāṇa, Divine Autonomy, and Grace
लिंगादावपि तत्कृत्यमर्चायां च विशेषतः । तत्तन्मूर्त्यात्मभावेन शिवो ऽस्माभिरुपास्यते
liṃgādāvapi tatkṛtyamarcāyāṃ ca viśeṣataḥ | tattanmūrtyātmabhāvena śivo 'smābhirupāsyate
Bahkan dalam pemujaan Liṅga dan bentuk-bentuk suci yang lain—terutama pada arca (arcā) yang telah disucikan—kami menyembah Śiva dengan memasuki sikap batin bahawa Dia benar-benar bersemayam sebagai Diri bagi bentuk itu.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Liṅgodbhava
Role: nurturing
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
It teaches that true Śiva-worship is not merely external ritual; the devotee should hold the inner conviction (bhāva) that Śiva, the Supreme Lord (Pati), is present as the very reality of the worshipped form, making arcana a direct means toward grace and liberation.
The verse affirms Saguna worship: whether one worships the Liṅga or a consecrated image, Śiva is approached through a specific form, while recognizing that His presence is not limited by the form—He indwells it as its inner Self.
While performing Liṅga/arcā pūjā, cultivate mūrti-ātma-bhāva—meditatively regard the Liṅga or image as Śiva Himself; accompany worship with mantra-japa (especially the Pañcākṣarī, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) to steady this inner recognition.