Shloka 57
प्रणवमहिमा — The Greatness of the Praṇava (Om) as Śiva
शिखोपवीते संत्यज्य कटिसूत्रादिकं ततः । विसृज्य प्राङ्मुखो गच्छेदुत्तराशामुखोपि वा
śikhopavīte saṃtyajya kaṭisūtrādikaṃ tataḥ | visṛjya prāṅmukho gaccheduttarāśāmukhopi vā
சிகையும் யஜ்ஞோபவீதமும் துறந்து, பின்னர் இடைக்கயிறு முதலிய குறிகளையும் விட்டுவிட்டு, கிழக்குமுகமாக—அல்லது வடதிசைமுகமாக—(விதிக்கப்பட்ட சைவ அனுஷ்டானத்திற்காக) செல்ல வேண்டும்।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It emphasizes inner Śaiva orientation over social identity—renouncing external markers to approach Shiva (Pati) with single-minded discipline, a step aligned with loosening pāśa (bondage) in Shaiva Siddhanta.
By instructing preparatory renunciation and directional focus, it frames Linga-worship as a purified approach to Saguna Shiva—external simplification supports steadiness in mantra, dhyāna, and ritual attention.
A preparatory act of letting go of external insignia and proceeding in an auspicious orientation (east or north), typically as a prelude to Śiva-upāsanā such as mantra-japa (e.g., pañcākṣarī) and disciplined observance.