Shiva Purana — Vidyesvara Samhita, Shloka 69
पार्थिवप्रतिमापूजाविधानम्
Pārthiva-pratimā Pūjā-vidhāna — Procedure for Worship of an Earthen Icon
ज्ञानं लब्ध्वा च देहांते विप्रो मुक्तिमवाप्नुयात् । अन्येषां नरनारीणां त्रिःस्नानेन जपेन च
jñānaṃ labdhvā ca dehāṃte vipro muktimavāpnuyāt | anyeṣāṃ naranārīṇāṃ triḥsnānena japena ca
Matapos makamtan ang tunay na kaalamang espirituwal, ang isang brāhmaṇa, sa wakas ng katawan (sa kamatayan), ay dumarating sa mokṣa, ang paglaya. Para sa iba pang mga lalaki at babae, ang paglapit sa paglaya ay sa pamamagitan ng disiplina ng pagligo nang tatlong ulit bawat araw at ng japa—paulit-ulit na pagbigkas ng banal na mantra—ayon sa mga paglilinis na itinuro para sa pagsamba kay Śiva.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: The verse teaches a general soteriological rule: jñāna at life’s end yields mokṣa for the qualified seeker; for others, purification through nitya-śauca (triḥsnāna) and mantra-japa in Śiva-worship becomes the practical approach to liberation.
Significance: Frames liberation as accessible through Śiva-upāsanā: either via jñāna culminating at death, or via daily purificatory discipline and japa that gradually removes mala and prepares for Śiva’s grace.
FAQs
It presents a Shaiva path where liberating insight (jñāna) is primary, while disciplined purification and mantra-japa prepare and elevate those who are not established in such knowledge—both culminating in Shiva-grace and moksha.
Thrice-daily bathing and japa are classic preparatory observances for Saguna Shiva worship—approaching the Linga with purity and steady remembrance—through which the mind becomes fit for devotion and, ultimately, realization.
Regular triḥ-snana (threefold daily bathing) and japa—especially of Shiva-mantras such as the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya)—as a sustained daily discipline.