Shloka 6
पार्थिवप्रतिमापूजाविधानम्
Pārthiva-pratimā Pūjā-vidhāna — Procedure for Worship of an Earthen Icon
संशोध्य गंधचूर्णेन पेषयित्वा सुमंडपे । हस्तेन प्रतिमां कुर्यात्क्षीरेण च सुसंस्कृताम्
saṃśodhya gaṃdhacūrṇena peṣayitvā sumaṃḍape | hastena pratimāṃ kuryātkṣīreṇa ca susaṃskṛtām
Setelah disucikan dengan serbuk wangi dan digiling halus di dalam maṇḍapa yang indah, hendaklah dibentuk arca suci dengan tangan, lalu diproses rapi dan disempurnakan dengan susu.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the Śiva-pūjā procedure to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Sthala Purana: General instruction for pratimā-nirmāṇa (icon-making) as part of Śiva-pūjā; not tied to a single Jyotirliṅga legend.
Significance: Highlights saṃskāra (refinement) of materials and mind: purification, grinding, and milk-processing as outer correlates of inner śuddhi before approaching Śiva.
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches that external purity and careful preparation are supports for inner purity; a well-prepared icon becomes a fit focus for devotion (bhakti) toward Saguna Śiva, helping the mind steady itself for grace.
Although Śiva is ultimately Nirguṇa, the Purāṇa affirms worship through a tangible form (pratimā/liṅga) for devotees; preparing the form with purity (fragrance, milk, proper processing) aligns the worshipper with ritual propriety and reverence.
It suggests pūjā-preparation: purifying materials with fragrant powders, grinding and refining them, and crafting the worship-form in an auspicious maṇḍapa—an outer discipline that supports focused japa and contemplation during Śiva-worship.