Shiva Purana — Vidyesvara Samhita, Shloka 49
Praṇava-Māhātmya and the Twofold Mantra (Sūkṣma–Sthūla) in Śaiva Sādhanā
तेषां पत्सिक्ततोयेन स्वशिरः स्नानमाचरेत् । षट्त्रिंशत्कोटितीर्थेषु सद्यः स्नानफलं लभेत्
teṣāṃ patsiktatoyena svaśiraḥ snānamācaret | ṣaṭtriṃśatkoṭitīrtheṣu sadyaḥ snānaphalaṃ labhet
Sa tubig na ipinanghugas sa kanilang mga paa, dapat paliguan ng tao ang sariling tuktok ng ulo. Sa paggawa nito, agad niyang matatamo ang bunga ng pagligo sa tatlumpu’t anim na krore ng mga banal na tīrtha, bilang paggalang na naglilinis ng kaluluwa sa debosyon sa mga banal ni Śiva.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Significance: Revering Śiva’s holy ones (guru/bhaktas) through pādya/feet-washing water grants tīrtha-snāna merit and accelerates purification (mala-kṣaya) through bhakti.
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It teaches that humble reverence to Śiva’s holy ones carries immense purifying power—so potent that it grants the same merit as bathing at countless tīrthas, emphasizing bhakti over mere travel or external display.
In Śaiva practice, honoring Śiva’s devotees is treated as honoring Śiva Himself (Saguna Śiva accessible through His community of worship). Such service supports inner purity, which is foundational for Linga-worship and mantra-japa.
A devotional purification rite: respectfully taking the water used to wash the feet of Śiva’s revered devotees and bathing the head with it, while maintaining a contemplative attitude of surrender and purity.