Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 39
शिवज्ञान-प्रश्नः तथा सृष्टौ शिवस्य स्वयमाविर्भावः
Inquiry into Śiva-knowledge and Śiva’s self-manifestation in creation
तत्र पूजाधिकारो ऽयं ब्रह्मक्षत्रविशामिति । ज्ञात्वा प्रणम्य देवेशं देवा जग्मुर्यथागतम्
tatra pūjādhikāro 'yaṃ brahmakṣatraviśāmiti | jñātvā praṇamya deveśaṃ devā jagmuryathāgatam
ครั้นทราบ ณ ที่นั้นว่า สิทธิ์ในการประกอบบูชานั้นเป็นของพราหมณ์ กษัตริย์ และไวศยะ เหล่าเทพจึงนอบน้อมแด่เทวาธิราช แล้วกลับไปตามทางที่มา
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: No Jyotirliṅga specified; the verse addresses pūjā-adhikāra (ritual eligibility) within varṇāśrama norms as understood in this narrative frame.
Significance: Emphasizes regulated access to ritual worship as a means of preserving correct performance; in Siddhānta terms, right kriyā supports purification of the paśu for eventual reception of jñāna and grace.
FAQs
The verse emphasizes dharmic order (adhikāra) in ritual worship while portraying the Devas’ humility before Shiva as Deveśa—affirming Shiva as the supreme Pati whom even celestial beings revere.
By stating ‘pūjādhikāra’ (ritual eligibility), it frames Linga/Saguna Shiva worship as a disciplined practice governed by dharma; the Devas themselves honor Shiva and withdraw, showing that worship is not casual but reverent and rule-guided.
The immediate practice implied is praṇāma (prostration) to Shiva before and after puja; as a Shaiva takeaway, conclude worship with namaskāra and remembrance of Shiva as Deveśa, ideally accompanied by japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) where appropriate.