Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 14
पूजाविधिः
Pūjā-vidhiḥ) — The Supreme Procedure of Worship (Morning Observances
देशं कालं विचार्यैवं स्नानं कुर्याद्यथा विधि । उत्तराभिमुखश्चैव प्राङ्मुखोप्यथवा पुनः
deśaṃ kālaṃ vicāryaivaṃ snānaṃ kuryādyathā vidhi | uttarābhimukhaścaiva prāṅmukhopyathavā punaḥ
เมื่อพิจารณาสถานที่และกาลเวลาให้เหมาะสมแล้ว พึงอาบน้ำชำระตามบัญญัติ—หันหน้าไปทางทิศเหนือ หรือมิฉะนั้นหันหน้าไปทางทิศตะวันออกอีกครั้งหนึ่ง
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Significance: General preparatory rule for Śiva-pūjā: correct deśa-kāla and auspicious orientation (north/east) supports ritual purity and mental steadiness, making the sādhaka fit for grace (anugraha).
FAQs
It teaches that outer purification (snāna) should be done with inner discernment—considering proper time and place—so the devotee’s worship becomes orderly, sattvic, and fit for approaching Shiva (Pati) with reverence.
In Linga-worship, preparatory purity is a core limb of upacāra. Facing north or east aligns the worshipper with auspicious directions traditionally used for Shiva’s saguna worship, helping establish a disciplined ritual setting before abhiṣeka, mantra, and offerings.
Perform a prescribed bath at an appropriate time and place, then begin Shiva worship while seated or standing facing north or east—supporting mantra-japa (such as the Panchākṣarī) and other Shaiva observances with bodily and mental readiness.