Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi Meets Lord Śiva: Devotee as Living Tīrtha and the Lord’s Māyā
तस्मै सपर्यां व्यदधात् सगणाय सहोमया । स्वागतासनपाद्यार्घ्यगन्धस्रग्धूपदीपकै: ॥ १५ ॥
tasmai saparyāṁ vyadadhāt sa-gaṇāya sahomayā svāgatāsana-pādyārghya- gandha-srag-dhūpa-dīpakaiḥ
Sinamba ni Mārkaṇḍeya si Bhagavān Śiva kasama si Umā at ang mga gaṇa, sa pag-aalay ng pagbati, upuan, tubig sa paghuhugas ng paa, arghya, pabango, mga garland ng bulaklak, insenso, at ilaw ng ārati.
This verse highlights traditional devotional hospitality—welcoming the guest and offering a seat, foot-washing water (pādya), arghya, fragrance, garlands, incense, and lamps—treating reception itself as worship.
They express honor and devotion through tangible service: cleanliness and respect (pādya/arghya) and reverent worship (gandha, flowers, incense, lamps), making the encounter sacred.
Welcome saints, elders, and guests respectfully; offer a clean place to sit, water, and sincere attention, and in home worship include simple offerings like fragrance, a flower, incense, and a lamp with devotion.