Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 54
अग्निकार्य-होमविधिः
Agnikārya and Homa Procedure
कपिलायाः शकृच्छस्तं गृहीतं गगने पतत् । न क्लिन्नं नातिकठिनं न दुर्गन्धं न शोषितम्
kapilāyāḥ śakṛcchastaṃ gṛhītaṃ gagane patat | na klinnaṃ nātikaṭhinaṃ na durgandhaṃ na śoṣitam
Segenggam tahi lembu Kapilā (lembu berwarna perang keemasan) telah diambil; ketika ia jatuh melalui angkasa, ia tidak basah, tidak terlalu keras, tidak berbau busuk, dan tidak kering kontang—menunjukkan sifatnya yang ajaib serta tidak tercemar.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
It points to a Shaiva understanding that what is connected to Shiva’s divine order can become purified and transformed, transcending ordinary notions of impurity—hinting at the deeper purity of Pati (Shiva) that liberates the bound soul (paśu).
In Saguna Shiva worship, outward substances used in ritual gain sanctity through intention, mantra, and devotion; the verse underscores that divine presence can render even unlikely materials fit and non-offensive, emphasizing Shiva’s power to sanctify.
The takeaway is reverent ritual discipline: offer only what is made pure through proper mantra and devotion, and contemplate Shiva as the purifier of the impure—supporting practices like Panchakshara japa and inner purification alongside external rites.