Shloka 6
Kṣaura-Snāna-Vidhi — Rite of Tonsure/Shaving and Purificatory Bath (Śaiva Procedure)
अस्त्रेणोन्मील्य संदृश्य क्षुरा दिक्षौ रसाधनम् । अभिमन्त्र्य द्वादशाथ प्रोक्षयेदस्त्रमंत्रतः
astreṇonmīlya saṃdṛśya kṣurā dikṣau rasādhanam | abhimantrya dvādaśātha prokṣayedastramaṃtrataḥ
Tendo-o ‘aberto’ (ativado ritualmente) pelo Astra-mantra e após inspecioná-lo devidamente, a navalha e a substância ritual consagrada devem ser fortalecidas com mantra; então, depois de recitar (o mantra) doze vezes, deve-se aspergi-las conforme o Astra-mantra para purificação e proteção.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Kailasa Samhita teachings to the sages, conveying Shiva’s ritual injunctions)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Type: kavaca
Shakti Form: Durgā
Role: protective
FAQs
It teaches that Shaiva practice is not merely external action: implements and substances are ‘awakened’ by mantra and purified by aspersion, showing that mantra-shakti sanctifies ritual so it becomes a means toward inner purity and liberation under Pati (Shiva).
In Saguna Shiva worship, the Linga is approached through carefully purified and protected rites; the Astra-mantra functions as a protective, consecrating force so offerings and preparations become fit for Shiva’s presence and grace.
A practical takeaway is mantra-empowerment and protective sprinkling: recite the Astra-mantra (here indicated twelve times) to consecrate tools and materials before a Shaiva rite, maintaining ritual purity and focused awareness.