Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 39
पुष्पार्पण-विनिर्णयः
Determination of Flower-Offerings to Śiva
षट्केनैव तु प्रस्थानां तदर्धेन तथा पुनः । पलद्वयं तथा लक्षमानेन समदाहृतम्
ṣaṭkenaiva tu prasthānāṃ tadardhena tathā punaḥ | paladvayaṃ tathā lakṣamānena samadāhṛtam
Os prasthas são de fato contados por seis (unidades); e novamente também pela metade dessa medida. Do mesmo modo, declaram-se dois palas, e a medida de lakṣa é igualmente enunciada na devida ordem.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: A technical aside on ritual metrology (prastha, pala, lakṣa-māna) used to standardize offerings; not a sthala narrative.
Significance: Highlights that devotion is supported by order (krama) and correct measure (pramāṇa), reflecting the Śaiva Siddhānta stress on kriyā (ritual action) performed properly as a means to purification and receptivity to grace.
FAQs
It emphasizes order (niyama) and correctness in sacred practice—outer precision in measures supports inner discipline, aiding steadiness of mind in Shaiva worship and ultimately aligning the devotee toward Shiva (Pati).
Linga-worship commonly involves measured offerings (water, milk, grains, ghee). By defining standards like prastha and pala, the text safeguards ritual purity and consistency, which Shaiva tradition treats as supportive of devotion to Saguna Shiva.
A takeaway is to perform Shiva-puja with disciplined observance—use accurate traditional measures for offerings and keep a regulated routine (niyama), alongside mantra-japa such as the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya).