||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 38 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 24-1

Manasthokena  Manthrena Manthritham Bhasma Dharayeth | Bhramana: Kshathriyashchaiva Proktheshvangeshu Bhakthiman || Vaishya Thraimbakenaiva  Shudhra: Panchaksharena Thu| Anyasam Vidhava Sthreenam Vidhi: Prokthashcha Shudravath||

SuthaPauranika speaks “Oh! Ascetics, listen to me carefully, there are two types of sacred ashes/Bhasma, one is Mahabhasmam and another one is SvalpaSanjjakam.  The Mahabhasmam is the collection of all the ashes, known as Shrautha, Smartha, and Laukika likewise Svalpasanjjakam also has three types of Bhasma. The Shrautha and Smartha Bhasma is used by twice-born, Laukika Bhasma used by other Varnas. The Rishis and sages advised the twice-born to wear Bhasma with the recitation of  VedaManthra, rest of the Varnas can apply the Bhasma without reciting Manthras. Oh! Mahamune, the ashes are prepared by burning the cow-dung, it is called Agneya Bhasma, which is used for Thripundra. The ashes collected from the fire sacrifices or Yagna performed by the Agnihotri's are used for Thripundra. The sacred hymns/mantras from the Jabala Upanishad is recited, while mixing water in the ashes and applying the same as Thripundra. The illustrious Sage Jabala explained the method of smearing ashes on the body and application of Thripundra reciting hymns or without it.  The Veda strongly recommends a Moksharththi should adore Thripundra or Urdhdhvapundra, and it is highly praised by Goddess Uma and Goddess Lakshmi as well. The application of Thripundra is recommended for all the Varnas, the people who do not adore Thripundra or smear Bhasma on their body are considered as an outcast. The person who has not smeared the ashes with sincere devotion cannot elevate his/her soul even after several crores of births; they remain ignorant not knowing the belief and faith of Lord Shiva for several cores of births.  The scriptures say that the one who is not smeared in ashes would always be surrounded by the sins, any spiritual or religious deed performed without applying Thripundra will not bestow its results, instead, it would bring opposite results. Oh! Mune, smearing the ashes with intense faith and devotion would remove sin and evil eyes. The smearing of Shivagni Janitha Bhasma would remove all the sins, whoever smeared in Thripundra thrice a day with the white ashes, would get relieved from all the sins and remains blissful always.  The person who is smeared in white ashes on the forehead would remain in the abode of Lord with the Ganas, after his death. The recitation of Shadakshramanthra is performed after the bath.  Anyone can apply ashes on their body, even the wicked, degraded, sinful, dull, people living in a foreign land, are permissible to smear ashes as Thripundra, and after smearing ashes recitation can be conducted, it is considered that as all the Threethas/sacred places and Veda resides in their bodies. The person who is adorned in Thripundra with intense devotion and faith would become honorable by human, Dhanavas, and deities, all his/her sins would get destroyed instantly with the application of Thripundra.  All the sacred rivers dwell in the body of the person who is adorned in Thripundra, the devotee attains highest of the spiritual knowledge and the eternal presence of supreme Lord Shiva as well.  Oh! Munisaththama, I shall describe them briefly, a learned person should adore Thripundra, conduct worship of Linga and recite Kshadakshara.  The glory of smearing sacred ashes on the body is indescribable even to Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu, Lord Rudra and illustrious Sages.  Oh! Mune, if a person forced to discontinue the spiritual and religious rites, later adores Thripundra would get relieved from all those sins of not performing the rites.  The person who performs various religious and spiritual rites without smearing ashes on their forehead cannot attain redemption in crores of their births. A twice-born adorned in Thripundra is considered as learned and performer of all the religious rites.  Whoever punishes or disgraces a person who is smeared in Thripundra would be born as Chandala. A Bhraman should smear the ashes on the forehead followed with the recitation of Manasthoka, Vaishya with the recitation of Thrayambaka, and  Shudra, widow, and females should adore the sacred ashes with the recitation of ‘Panchakshara’. According to Manusmrithi, a house-holder/Grihastha is  allowed to recite Panchabhrama after applying the sacred ashes, a Bhramachari is allowed to recite ‘Panchakshara’ while applying sacred ashes, a Vanaprastha applies  sacred ashes after reciting Aghora Manthra, Yathis/ascetic apply sacred ashes after reciting ‘Omkara’/Pranava.  The one who has grown beyond traditions of Varna and Ashrama should apply ashes with the utterance of ‘Shivoham’/I am Shiva, a Shivayogi applies the sacred ashes with the utterance of Eshana Manthra. Oh! Asectics, I have described the methods of smearing sacred ashes for all the Varnas, and some Jeevas smears ashes at the command of the supreme Lord Shiva.  The Yogis smearing sacred ashes all over the body are considered as bearing Shivalinga equal to those dust particles of the ashes on their body.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 37 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 23

 Yesham Chaiva  Shiva: Sakshathdhaivatham Paramam Shubham | Sadhashivakatha Loke  Vallabha Bhavatham Sadha|| The Dhanyashcha Kritharththashcha Saphalam Dhehadharanam | Udhdhritham Cha Kulam Thesham Ye Shivam Samupasathe||

Rishis speak “ Oh! Sutha, Oh! Mahabhaga, Oh! Vyasashishya we shall reverentially prostrate before you, kindly describe the glories of the sacred ashes/Bhasma Mahathmyam, we would be happy to hear Rudraksha Mahathmyam and  Nama Mahathmyam as well.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Sages, you have raised brilliant questions, which would provide welfare to the universe and its people, Oh! Sadhus, you are fortunate and auspicious, represents the jewel of your own clan. You all are sincere devotees of the supreme Lord Mahadeva who symbolizes auspiciousness; you have a great interest in listening to the splendor of Sadhashiva Katha which provides welfare to the whole Universe.  It is highly fortunate to have the body of a human; therefore worship and the faith upon the supreme Lord Mahadeva would redeem your entire clan.   The person who utters the sacred names of Lord Mahadeva relentlessly, the sins won’t touch him/her, whoever utters the word ‘Sri Shivaya Namasthubhyam’ praising Lord Sadhashiva would remain auspicious like sacred rivers, and all the sins would get destroyed, the person who looks at the face of the worshiper would get piousness of dip in the Theertha.  The person who adores Rudraksha and sacred ashes, and recites the name of Lord Shiva earn the reward of the dip in Thriveni, and these three sacred rivers dwells in the body of the worshiper, whoever witness this person would get relieved from all the sins, the person who does not believe in this would get afflicted with the sins.  The association with the person who is not adorned in Rudraksha, or smeared in sacred ashes, or uttered the name of supreme Lord Mahadeva should be discarded.  The sacred names of Lord Mahadeva represent Goddess Ganga, sacred ashes represents Goddess Yamuna and Rudraksha represents Saraswathi, therefore it is called Triveni, which destroys all the sins of the worshiper, hence who adorned all these three auspicious things on the body would attain the abode of Lord, and they are considered as auspicious Triveni.  Lord Bhrama affirmed them as highly auspicious; it could provide welfare to the Universe. Hence, Lord Bhrama and Lord Vishnu and all the deities adore these three items which could remove all the sins.”

Rishis speaks “Oh! Sutha, Oh! Suvratha, you have described the glories of the Rudraksha, sacred ashes and recitation of sacred names of Lord Mahadeva, kindly elaborates them.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Mahaprajja, you are intellectuals, devotees of Lord Mahadeva, I shall describe them in detail, listen to me carefully.  The glories of the sacred names of Lord Mahadeva is indescribable, even the Veda, and Scriptures are incompetent to describe the same, it is known to Lord Mahadeva who is beyond Prakrithi and Purusha, I shall make an effort to narrate it.  The mere listening to the glories of the sacred names of Lord would remove all the sins of the listener.  These sacred names of Lord Mahadeva are like colossal fire that induces forest fire, it would destroy the sins of the worshiper, and reduce them into ashes.  Oh! Shaunaka, all those sins, and miseries of worldly existence get destroyed with the recitation of the sacred names of Lord Mahadeva.  The person who relentlessly recites the sacred names of supreme Lord Shiva is considered as noble soul and learned one.  The recitation of sacred names of the Supreme Lord would enhance intense devotion and guides the Jeeva through the righteous path. Oh! Munishvara, the recitation of sacred names of Lord Shiva would destroy the entire sins of which one can’t even imagine to commit; even the Bhramahathya sins would get destroyed.  The person who relentlessly chants the sacred names of supreme Lord Mahadeva would cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence, with the usage of these sacred names as a ferry.  The sacred names of supreme Lord Mahadeva are powerful dagger that is capable to destroy all the sins of the worshiper.  The people who are undergoing the forest fire like miseries and sins should taste the nectar-like the sacred names of Lord Shiva, a sinner cannot live in peace unless and until he/she recites the sacred names of Lord Mahadeva, once they get the taste of nectar-like the sacred names of Lord Mahadeva, they never get alarmed or perplexed in the Dhavagni/forest fire like miseries of worldly existence.  The noble people who have intense faith and devotion contemplate upon supreme LordMahadeva reciting his glorious names would attain liberation from the cycles of repeated births. Oh! Munishwara, they would get rid of the sins of several births and, the person who has firm faith and devotion upon supreme Lord Mahadeva would attain Moksha.  The recitation of the sacred names of Lord Shiva would remove all the sins of the worshiper. Oh! Shaunaka, the person who is adored in sacred ashes, and recites the sacred names of Lord Mahadeva with intense faith and devotion would get relieved from all the sins, and effortlessly cross the ocean of worldly existence.  The severest sins like killing a Bhramin/Bhramahathya, and stealing the wealth of a Bhramin would get relieved with the recitation of the sacred names of supreme Lord Mahadeva with intense devotion and faith.  The illustrious Rishis and Sages found that the constant recitation of the sacred names of Lord Shiva and contemplation upon him would liberate the Jeeva from the sufferings of worldly existence; it would remove all the sins of the worshiper, and brings all the auspiciousness. Oh! Sages, you might have heard of King Indhradhyumna who was a grave sinner, attained the abode of Lord with the constant meditation and contemplation upon Lord Mahadeva. You have heard the story of Dhvija Pathni who performed all the sinful deeds, was elevated her soul with the constant contemplation and meditation upon the Supreme Lord and attained the abode of Lord. Oh! Shaunaka, I have described the splendor of the sacred names of the supreme Lord Mahadeva, I shall narrate the Bhasma Mahathmyam which removes all the sins of the worshiper.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 36 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 22

Shalagramodhbhave Linge Rasalinge Thatha Dhvija: | Pashane Rajathe  Swarnna Surasiddha Pradhishtithe || Kashmeere Spatike Rathne Jyothirlingeshu  Sarvasha: | Chandrayanasamam Proktham Shambhor Naivedhyabhakthanam ||

Rishis speak “Oh! Sage, previously we have heard that the offerings of Lord Shiva should not be consumed immediately after veneration, and what are the procedures should be followed to accept the Shivanaivedhyam, and kindly describe the Bilwa Mathmyam.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Ascetics, listen to me carefully, you are ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, undertakes various austerities and vows, a passionate devotee who follows austerities, and intense faith and devotion upon the supreme Lord Mahadeva, is qualified to accept the offerings of Lord Shiva. Oh! Munishreshta, mere witnessing the offerings of Lord Shiva would remove impurities of the minds and sins; hence the consumption of it would provide crores of piousness.  It is not necessary to perform crores of Yagnas, mere consumption of the offerings of Lord Shiva provides Shivasayujya.  The Shiva Naivedhyam purifies the home of the worshiper and its effect would purify the nearby homes as well.  Shiva Naivedhyam should be carried on the top of the head, and it should be consumed with the remembrance and utterance of supreme Lord Shiva.  The Shiva Naivedhyam should be consumed immediately after bringing home, it should not be discarded, and otherwise, it would bring sins.  The person who shows disrespect to the Shiva Naivedhyam would get troubled of sins and pushed to hell.  The passionate devotee whose neck is adorned with the image of Lord Shiva made of gold or silver, or any metal is entitled to receive the Shiva Naivedhyam, a person who attained Shivadheeksha is entitled to receive Shiva Naivedhyam, devotees who are attained Dhiksha of various beliefs, but the devotee of Lord Shiva can receive Shiva Naivedhyam, I shall narrate to you.  The consumption of Shiva Naivedhyam offered to Shivalinga created out of Saligrama, Rasalinga, Stonelinga, Silver or Gold linga, and Lingas consecrated by Siddhas or deities, Crystal Linga of Kashmira, Rathnalinga, and all the Jyothirlinga, would provide the piousness of Chandrayana Vratha.  The person who committed the severe sin of Bhramahathya would get rid of the sins with the adoration of Shiva Nirmalya on him/her, consumption of Shiva Naivedhyam would remove all the sins.  The Shiva Naivedhyam offered to Chandadhikari should not be consumed by humans.  Shiva Naivedhyam can be consumed with devotion in the absence of Chandadhikari of Lord Shiva.  Chandadhikari has no rights on the Lingas made of metals,  Bana, and Sidhdhalinga, or Swayambhuva/self-manifested Linga, or images of Lord Shiva.  The consumption of the water used for performing ablutions on the Linga would remove Thrividham Papam/three types of sins.  The Shiva Naivedhyam, flower, fruits, water, etc. should be consumed after a touch on the Salagramashila.  Oh! Munishwara, the Naivedhyam offered on the pinnacle of the Linga should not be consumed; the Naivedhyam offered on the pedestal of the Linga is auspicious to consume.”

Mahadeva Swaroopoayam Bilwe Devairapi Sthutha: | Yatha Kathashchidhethasya Mahima  Jyayathe Katham || Bilwamoole Mahadevam LIngaroopinam Avyayam | Ya: Poojayathi Punyathma  Sa Shivam Prapnuyathdhruvam||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Munisaththama, I have already described the methods of consumption of Shiva Naivedhyam. I shall describe the Bilwamahathmyam to you.  The deities eulogize bale tree that symbolizes Lord Mahadeva, how could I describe its glories in a few words?  All those Punyatheertha on the Earth represents the root of the bale tree.  Whoever worship Lord Mahadeva who is unblemished, in the form of  Linga under the bale tree would attain an abundance of meritorious reward, ultimately achieve the abode of Lord Shiva.  Whoever serves Bilwa tree with water, would remain purified and auspicious, attains the benefits of a dip in all the sacred waters.  The construction of a tiny watercourse at the base of the bale tree would bring the eternal presence of Lord Mahadeva in it.  Whoever worships the Bale tree with fragrances, flowers, fruits, unbroken yellow rice, etc. would attain Shivaloka and the clan of the devotee would prosper with all those auspiciousness with the grace of supreme Lord Mahadeva.  Whoever worships Bale tree and offer Earthen lamp on its root would attain the highest of the spiritual knowledge, ultimately attains the form of Lord Shiva.  Whoever collects the unbroken bale leaves and offer to Lord Shiva would be freed from all the sins.  Whoever serves a Bhramana seated under the bale tree, serving him with a meal, Dhakshina and Vasthram would attain the merit of feeding crores of twice-born.  Whoever serves the devotees of Lord Shiva with rice cooked in the milk would never face the suffering of poverty.  The worship of Shivalinga with sincere devotion and faith would provide delight to the worshiper engaged in worldly matters/ PravriththiMarga, and the worshiper who is already renounced the material well-being would attain serenity of mind and union with the Bhramam/ Nivriththimarga.  The worshiper who is engaged in worldly affairs can conduct the worship of Linga installed on the pedestal by a competent twice-born.  After the performance of  Rudrabhisheka, the rice offered to the Linga should be of high quality, as a part of the conclusion of the worship, the Linga should be kept in a sanctified place in the home.  The Shiva Naivedhyam should be offered to devotees of Lord Shiva, who are noble, renounced souls who worship the subtle form of supreme Lord who resides as the soul in the living beings.  The ablution of Linga with the sacred ashes, adoration of the same should be performed; finally, the worshiper reverentially bows down head before the Linga and prostrate  at the end of veneration.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 35 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 21

Agnana Thirmirandhanam Vishayasaktha Chethasam | Plavo Nanyoasthi Jagathi Lingadharadhanamanthara|| Hari Bhramadhayo Deva Munayo Yathra Rakshasa: | Gandharva Charana: Sidhdha Dhaithya Dhanavasthatha || Naga: Sheshaprabhrithayo Gaudadhya: Gagasthatha | Sa Prajapathayashchanye  Manava: Kinnara Nara: || Poojayithva  Mahabhakthya  Lingam Sarvarththisiddhitham | Praptha: Kamanabeeshtamshcha Thasthasthansarvahridhi Sthithan||

Rishis speak “ Oh! Sutha, Oh! Mahabhaga, Oh! Vyasashishya, we shall repeatedly prostrate before you, Oh! Dheenavathsala, kindly narrate how to conduct the worship of Parththiva Shivalinga to fulfill one’s own desires.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Munishreshta, I shall narrate the methods of veneration of Parththivashivalinga for achieving all that desired by the worshiper.  The veneration of Parththivashivalinga without devotion or faith, will not bring any fruitful results, it would be like giving away charities with self-importance.  Oh! Munishreshta, worship of the Parththivashivalinga with the intense devotion and faith would provide propitious results.  Oh! Ascetics, I shall describe the number of  Parththiva Shiva Lingas should construct and the consecration methods as well.  The disciple who yearns to attain supreme wisdom should construct thousands of Parththivashivalinga and conduct the worship with utmost devotion and faith would attain an abundance of wisdom. The person who desirous of wealth should construct five hundred of Parththivashivalinga and conducts worship for immense wealth and prosperity, the person who is desirous of progeny should construct fifteen hundreds of Parththivashivalinga and conducts sincere worship would be benefited with virtuous offspring, the person who desirous of garments should construct five hundred Parththivashivalinga and conducts worship to get an abundance of clothes.  The intellectuals who desirous of ‘Moksha’ the supreme state of Jeevanmuktha/free from life cycle of birth and death/Moksharththi should construct crores of Parththivashivalinga and conducts sincere worship of the supreme Lord.  The person who is desirous of land/Bhookamarththi, should construct thousands of Parththivashivalinga and worship, person who seeks the compassion of supreme Lord/Dhayarththi, constructs three thousands of Parththiva Shivalingas and conducts worship. The person who is desirous of visiting sacred places on the Earth/Theertharththi should construct two thousands of Parththiva Shivalinga and worships supreme Lord.  The person who desirous of appropriate companion/Suhrutharththi should construct three thousands of Parththiva Shivalinga and conducts worship, the person who is desirous of fame/Vashyarththi should construct eight hundreds of Parththiva Shivalinga and conducts worship, the person who desirous of the win over the enemy/Maranarththi should construct seven hundred Parththiva Shivalinga and conducts worship, person who wants to influence another person/Mohanarththi should create eight hundred Parththivashivalinga and conducts worship.  The person, who is desirous to overthrow the power of other person/Ucchadan and Sthambhan/causing impediments to others, or Dhveshanarthi/ who is desirous of causing trouble to others, constructs thousands of Parththivashivalinga and worship.  The person who is desirous of getting relieved from the fear of theft, burglary, and crimes should construct two hundreds of Parththivashivalinga, and the person who wants to get rid of troubles from spirit should construct five hundreds of Parththivashivalinga.  The worship of five thousand and ten thousand Parththivashivalinga removes the sufferings of poverty and fulfills all the desires of the worshiper. Oh! Munisaththama, I shall narrate how to conduct the daily veneration of Parththivashivalinga and the methods of worship.”

Sutha Pauranika continues “ Oh! Sages, there was some difference of opinion prevailed among sages about the number of adoration of Parththivashivalinga, I shall narrate them too,  worship of one Parththiva Shivalinga removes the sins of the worshiper, the veneration of the large number of Parththivalinga provides success, wealth, etc. worship of three Lingas fulfills all the desires of the worshiper.  The intellectuals worship ten thousand of Parththiva Shivalinga to get rid of their fears of imprisonment and to get freed from the imprisonment.  The worship of seven thousand Parththivashivalingas removes the fear of Dakini.  The worship of fifty thousand and ten thousand Parththiva Shivalinga by the childless couple would attain virtuous male and female offspring respectively; the worship of ten thousand and ten lakhs of Parththivashivalinga would bring the affluence equivalent to Lord Vishnu and wealth in abundance.  Whoever worships crores of Parththiva Shivalinga remains the supreme Lord Shiva himself, worship of this Parththivashivalinga, the worshiper would attain all the earthly pleasures, ultimately attain liberation from the repeated cycles of birth and death.  The worship of Parththivashiva Linga on a regular basis would provide appreciation, who keeps himself away from the adoration of Linga faces destruction and ill fame.  The performance of charities, worship of Parththivashivalinga, visiting Theerthas, and the performance of Yajjas all provide an abundance of piousness to the worshiper. The scripture strongly recommends the regular worship of Parththivashiva Linga to get rid of evil effects on the Kali era; it provides worldly pleasures and liberation, removes all the sins of the worshiper, and brings ShivaSayujya.  Oh! Sages, I shall describe the sizes of the Parththivashivalinga, listen to me carefully.  The intellectuals described that the Parththivashivalinga made of four Angulas sizes over the pedestal is auspicious, the size of Linga is half of the above said is considered as a medium, and the lesser than the above is considered as inauspicious.  All the Shastras and Puranas strongly recommend the worship of Parththivashivalinga as one of the superior most deeds, there is none of the deeds is superior to this.  The adoration of Linga with intense devotion and faith would remove the worldly interest and bondage, whoever performs the adoration of Parththivashivalinga on a regular basis would get freed from the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence, the worship of Parththivashivalinga is equivalent to the worship of Sakalacharachara/moveable and immovable things in this Universe.  The worship of Parththivashivaliga on a regular basis would remove all the impurities, the darkness of ignorance, interest in worldly matters, and showers an abundance of piousness.  The supreme Lord Hari, Bhrama, deities, Dhanavas, Nara, Naga, Adishesha,  Sages and Rishis, Garuda, Gaga, Prajapathi, Manu, Kinnaras, and humans have worshiped the Parththiva Shivalinga and attained an abundance of piousness.  The veneration of Shivalinga can be performed with the recitation of Vedic chants, and methods prescribed in Puranas.  The performance can be performed by the three Varnas, even the women have the right to perform the veneration of Linga. Vedic Bhramins should perform the adoration by following Vedic way; the twice-born who are cursed by Rishis, Dhadhichi, and Gautama will have little faith in the adoration of Linga.  The adoration of Linga along with Earth, Water, fire, wind, sky, sun, and moon and the Yajaman/worshiper is performed.  The adoration of Linga along with the Ashtamoorthi of Lord Shiva as Sharva, Bhava,  Rudra, Ugra, Bhima, Ishvara, Mahadeva and  Pashupati,  worship of Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parvathi, Ganesh, and Karthik with the offerings of  sandalwood paste and unbroken yellow rice, etc. worship of Ishanam, Nandhi, Chanda, Mahakala, Bhringi, Vrisha, Skandha, Soma and Shukra should be performed.  The worship of eleven Rudras, Virabhadhra on the forefront, and Kiritumukha on the back should be performed following with the chants of Panchakshara Manthra, Shatharudriya, with the recitation of Shivasthothras, etc.  As a concluding part, circumambulate, and prostrate before the deity.  Oh! Munishreshta, I have detailed the method of veneration, the worshiper should adorn his body with the sacred ashes, Rudraksha, before the veneration of the Linga and worship should be performed with the bale leaves.  If the ashes are not available, the sand can be applied as Thripundra on the forehead and conduct worship.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 34 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 20

Sukthoktha Vidhina  Snathva  Sandhyam Krithva Yathavidhi | Bhramayajjam Vidhayadhau Thathastharpanamachareth || Naithikam Sakalam Kamam Vidhyayanantharam Puman | Shivasmaranapoorvam  Hi Bhasma Rukdraksha Dharaka: || Vedokthavidhina Samyak Sampoornna Phalasidhdhaye | Poojayethparaya Bhakthya  Parththivam  Lingamuththamam||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Dhvija, I shall describe the method of veneration of Parththiva Shiva Linga for the people who follow the Vedic way of living.  The worship of Parththiva Shiva Linga sincerely following the Vedic way would provide Bhukthi as well as Mukthi to the worshiper.  The veneration of Parththiva Linga should begin with the performance of bath following the Suthra, performance of Sandhya/worship of the sun, Bhramayajjam offering water to deities,  Rishis and manes, the performance of daily rites and learning scriptures, contemplation upon supreme Lord Shiva, adore Bhasma/sacred ash and Rudraksha.  The worship of Shivalinga with the prescribed rites in Veda would provide successful results if it was carried out with intense devotion and faith.  The worship of Parththiva Shivalinga can be performed on the shores of ocean or river, or pond, or mountain or hills, or woods, or Shiva’s shrine, or any of the sanctified places. Oh! Dhvija, the Parththiva Shivalinga should be constructed with the sanctified sand, collected from a clean place and prescribed rites should be followed to worship. The Dhvijathis collects white-colored sand, a Kshatriya should collect red-colored sand, a Vaishya should collect yellow-colored sand, and a Shudra should collect black-colored sand, and the Linga made out of these sands by the people of respective Varnna, should install them in a sanctified place to conduct worship.  The worship of the Parththiva Shivalinga would provide all the earthly pleasures as well as liberation from repeated births. Oh! Dhivja, listen to me carefully, the creation of Linga out of the sand should begin with sprinkling water on the sand with the utterance of ‘Om Nama: Shivaya’ followed with the recital of Manthra to construct the Linga, purification process and installation, recitation of Manthra followed with gestures on the prescribed rule, application of various ingredients like milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey, further offering of upper clothe and various ornaments to the deity followed by sacred hymns, the offering of fragrances, Akshatha, flowers and bale leaves, incense, and earthen lamp, Naivedhya, water, fruits and various ingredients/Padhartha, unbroken yellow rice, finally the Dhakshina to the priests are offered abundantly.  Oh! Dhvija, all those above-said offerings should be made followed with specific chants praising the supreme Lord Maheshwara.  As a concluding part, offering Dheepa and Dhoop, circumambulation, and prostration before the deity, should be performed with the recitation of hymns and gestures/Panchamudra. Oh! Dhvija, I have explained the Vedic way of conducting the worship of Parththiva Shivalinga.  The sand should be collected with the recitation of the Manthra ‘Sadhyojatham’, and the water should be poured reciting the Manthra ‘Vamadevaya’, the Linga prepared by the utterance of ‘Aghoraya’, the deity is invoked with the Manthra ‘Thathpurushaya’.  The prepared Shivalinga should be installed on the sanctified place with the utterance of  ‘Ishana Sarvavidhyanam’ with the prescribed chants.  The worship of deity should be performed with the Shodashopachara, and the recitation of Panchakshara Manthra.”

Bhavaya Bhavanashaya  Mahadevaya Dheemahi | Ugra Ugranashaya Sharvaya Shashimauline||

Sutha Pauranika continues “ Oh! Dhvija, worship of supreme Lord Mahadeva who is the essence of Universe and its living beings, and the destroyer of the same, I shall take refuge at the lotus feet of Lord Mahadeva who is fierce, adorned in the crescent moon on the matted hair locks, he is the destroyer of brutality/violence in the Universe.  Whoever conducts the worship of Lord Shiva with intense devotion and faith, and sincerely follows the prescribed rites would attain an abundance of piousness.  Oh! Dhvija, I have explained the Vedic way of adoration of supreme Lord Mahadeva as Parththiva Shivalinga. I shall narrate the simple method of worship of Parththiva Shivalinga too. Oh! Munishreshta listen to me carefully, the supreme Lord Mahadeva has the sacred names like Hara who is the destroyer of sins and miseries of the worldly existence,  Maheshwara who is mighty Lord, he is Shoolapani who is wielded in powerful trident,  Shambhu who is compassionate and benevolent, Pinakadhrik who is wielded in Pinaka, Shiva who symbolizes auspiciousness, Pashupati who is the Lord of living beings.  The worshiper should recite the sacred names of Lord Shiva and sprinkle water on the collected sand and construct the Parththiva Linga and install it in a sanctified place, adoration of flowers and with the simple offerings, pouring water on the Linga, can be performed with the utterance of simple hymns.”

Kailasapeetasanamadhyastham Bhaktha: Sa Nandhadhibhirarchyamanam | Bhaktharththi Dhavanalam Aprameyam Dhyayeth UmamaLingitha Vishwabhooshanam || Dhyayen Nithyam  Mahesham Rajathagirinibham  Charuchandravathamsam  Rathnakalpojjvalangam Parashu Mrigavarabhithi Hastham Prasannam | Padmaseenam Samanthath Sthutham Amaraganairvyaghrakrithim Vasanam  Vishwadhyam Vishwabeejam Nikhilabhayaharam Panchavakthram Thrinethram||

Sutha Pauranika continues “ Oh! Dhvija, meditation upon the Supreme Lord reciting the chants, I shall prostrate before the supreme Lord Shiva who symbolizes forest fire that destroys all the miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence, he is unblemished,  seated on the pinnacle of the Mount Kailasha, surrounded by ardent devotees like Nandhi and Devaganas immerses in the worship of the supreme Lord Mahadeva, I shall repeatedly prostrate before that supreme Lord who has assumed the form of Linga remains in the embrace of Goddess Uma who adores the entire Universe. I shall contemplate upon supreme Lord  Mahesha who is seated on the top of Rajathagiri/silver mountain has a pleasing appearance, adorned in a crescent moon, he has the luster of a precious gem, adorned in various precious ornaments,  holding Parashu, antelope, and has a pleasing smile always, he is seated on the Padmasana posture,  surrounded by illustrious Rishis and Sages, and deities, who eulogizes the endless glories of Lord Mahadeva.  He is primordial/Vishwadhyam, he is the cause of the Universe and its living beings/prime seed/Vishwabeejam, he has five faces and each face has three eyes, he is unblemished remove all the fears and anxieties of worldly existence. In this way, the worshiper can conduct a simple method of veneration of Parththiva Shivalinga with the recitation of Panchakshara Manthra. An intellectual should recite as many as hymns and conduct worship, a Dhvija should recite Shatharudri and conduct veneration of Parththiva Linga, and offer flowers and yellow unbroken rice on the Linga with following prayers “Oh! Mrida, I shall surrender at your lotus feet, kindly shower your auspicious grace on us, Oh! Kripanidhi/ocean of mercy Oh! Bhoothanatha who is Lord of Bhoothaganas, kindly protect us. Oh! Bhagavan whatever Kriyas and Karma I have performed are surrender at your lotus feet, Oh! Shankara kindly showers your auspicious grace on us. Oh! Bhagavan, I am a sinner, you are the purifier of souls, Oh! Gaurisha, kindly do whatever I deserve in this life. Oh! Sadhashiva, even the Veda, Rishis, Sidhdhantha, and Puranas are incompetent to describe your splendor, how could I praise your glories? Oh! Maheshwara, Oh! Parameshwara, kindly protect us.”  Oh! Dhvija, after the conclusion of prayers, offers flowers and unbroken yellow rice, circumambulates the deity and prostrate before him, produces the soft sound of goat humbly, and offers salutations to the Lord. Oh! Munishardhoola, I have described the method of veneration of Parththiva Shivalinga, which provides Bhoga as well as Moksha, and it enhances the devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Mahadeva.”

Ithyadhyayam Suchiththena Ya; Padeth Shrunuyadhapi | Sarvapapa Vishudhdhathma Sarva Kamanavapnuyath || Ayur Arogyadham Chaiva  Yashasyam Swargameva Cha | Puthra Pauthradhi Sukhadhamakhyanmudhamuththamam ||

Whoever reads or listens to it would get relieved from all the sins, and all their desires get fulfilled. It would provide long life, good health, fame, heavenly pleasures, virtuous children and grandchildren, and all the pleasures on the Earth as well.

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 33 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 19

Yatha Sarveshu Deveshu Jyeshta: Shreshto Maheshwara: | Yevam Sarveshu Lingeshu Parthivam Shreshtamucchyathe ||Yatha Nadhishu Sarvasu Jyeshta Shreshta Surapaga| Thatha Sarveshu Lingeshu Parththivam Shreshtam Ucchayathe || Yatha Sarveshu Manthreshu Pranavo Hi Mahansmritha: | Thadhedham Parththivam Shreshtam Aradhyam Poojyameva Hi || Yatha Sarveshu Varneshu Bhramana: Shreshta Ucchyathe | Thatha Sarveshu Lingeshu Parththivam Shreshtam Ucchyathe || Yatha Purishu Sarvasu Kashi Shreshtathama Smritha| Thatha Sarveshu Lingeshu Parththivam Shreshtam Ucchyathe || Yatha Vratheshu Sarveshu Shivarathrivratham Paramam| Thatha Sarveshu Lingeshu Parththivam Shreshtamucchyathe ||

Rishis speak “ Oh! Sutha, Oh! Chiranjeeva, Oh! Shivabhakthiman, Oh! Fortunate one, you have enlightened us with the knowledge of Lingamahima which provides an abundance of piousness to the worshiper. Oh! Sutha, kindly elaborate the description of Parthivamaheshalinga/Linga made out of clay, which was discussed earlier.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Rishis, I am highly pleased with your devotion, listen to me carefully, I shall describe Shivaparthivalinga in detail.  The worship of Parthivashivalinga is highly propitious, the deities, Lord Hari, Brama, illustrious Rishis and Sages, and Prajapathis have worshiped the Parthivashilinga and attained various merits. Oh! Vipra, worship of Parthivashivalinga provides a highly meritorious reward to the worshiper, the deities, demons, Gandharvas, Rakshasa, and Siddhas have attained Paramam Gathi.  In the Krita Yuga, the worship of Linga was performed to the Ling made out the gem, in the  Threthayuga worship of Linga made out of Gold was performed, Dwaparayuga worship of Linga made out of silver was performed, in the Kali era Parthivalinga made out of clay is considered as highly auspicious.  The worship of Ashtamoorthi linga made of clay would provide commendable meritorious rewards. Oh! Vipra, the worship of Parthivalinga is superior among the Lingas, likewise, river Ganga is superior among the rivers.  Parthiva Linga is superior as Omkara/Pranava among the sacred chants, Brahmanas among the Varnas, Kashi is superior among the sacred lands on the Earth and the Shivarathrivratha is superior among the Vrathas.  The worship of  Parththivalinga is considered as superior among Lingas, like Goddess Parvathi among the female deities, and worship of any Linga following austerities except Parththivalinga is considered as futile.”

Parththivaradhanam Punyam Dhanyamayur Vivardhanam | Thushtidham Pushtidham Sreedham  Karyam Sadhakasaththamai: ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Vipra, whoever worships Parththivalinga would attain punyam/piousness, Dhanam/wealth, Ayur/long life, Thushti/contentment, Pushti/good health, Sreedham/money and richness, and success in all endeavors.  The worship of Parththivalinga should be made with whatever ingredients available.  The worship of Parththivalinga with intense devotion and faith venerates with bale leaves, the touch of the Linga itself would provide all the auspiciousness, removes the sins and provides nearness to Lord Mahadeva.  The worshiper would remain Jeevanmuktha, enriched with the supreme knowledge of Prakrithi and Purusha ultimately attains liberation from repeated births.  The worshiper who adores Parththivalinga in whole life would attain the abode of Lord Shiva, later takes birth in Bharatha Bhoomi, and rules the earth as Rajendra.  The worshiper who adores Parththivalinga without any desire would attain Sayujyam and remains in the Shivaloka.  Oh! Vipra who does not worship Parththivalinga at least once in their life would be heaved to the hell Shoolaprotham where the sinner would be punished with the sharp spear.  The worship of any Linga made of Parththiva,  Linga made of Gold, silver, Gem, Crystal, should not be a divided one.  There are two types of Linga Akhandam is movable/Charalinga, and Dhvikhandam is immovable,  the Linga and the pedestal of the Linga represent Lord Maheshwara and Mahavidhya respectively.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 32 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 18 - 2

Gurupujaiva  Pooja  Swayam Shivasya Paramathmana: | Guruseva  Thu Yath Sarvathmashudhdhikari Bhaveth||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Vipra, the preceptor is the one who removes the darkness of ignorance in the disciple, he is pure and beyond Gunas, considered as Param Shiva, implants virtues in his disciple.  The preceptor removes all three Gunas in his disciple and enlightens him with faith and knowledge of Lord Shiva, therefore the preceptor is considered as Gurulingam, and the worship and services are performed to him so that the disciple remains intellectual always.  The disciple who promised to follow the command of the preceptor should sincerely abide them by words, action, and thoughts, in this way the disciple who sincerely follows all the commands of the preceptor is considered as an ideal disciple, should relentlessly serve the preceptor, as a son.  The preceptor whose tongue like Linga, and the Manthra as semen, deposits in the ears of the disciple which is considered as Yoni, in this way they create the bondage of father and son.  The preceptor bestows knowledge and wisdom in a disciple, to easily cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence.  The preceptor’s body is considered as the form of Lord Shiva, it should be worshiped and relentlessly served by the disciple, it is the duty of the disciple to serve the preceptor with the wealth and ingredients possible, offering wealth and sandalwood Padhuka, serving him with needs, performing Abhisheka and Naivedhya, etc. The adoration of the preceptor is considered as the adoration of Lord Shiva, it purifies the disciple.  The leftover ingredients after the veneration of preceptors are considered as Prasada, possession of items without the permission of the preceptor is considered as stolen items.  The preceptor, who removes the ignorance in the disciple should be honored and should not create any obstruction in attaining knowledge from him."

Sutha Pauranika speaks "The worship of any deities can be carried out with the initial obeisance to Lord Ganesha/Vignesha, the worship of all the deities removes physical ailments.  The Shanthiyajja is performed to remove the nightmares and inauspicious dreams, and sins, epidemic, etc as prescribed in the scripture.  The performance of sun worship and recitation of Panchakshara Manthra hundred and eight times or Suryanamaskar and worship Lord Shiva and performance of circumambulation would bring an abundance of piousness and removes sins of the worshiper.  The worship of Bhramin and serving them with meals would bring an abundance of wealth; Lord Bhairava should be worshiped to please the spirits, along with the performance of Shivapooja, offering Mahaneivedhyam to Lord Shiva, etc. should be carried out meticulously.  The Shanthiyajja is conducted once in a year in the month of Phalgun, to remove all the sins of the worshiper.  If the worshiper is too poor, he/she can offer charity of earthen lamp, or something which is affordable, after bath perform salutations to sun, and recitation of hundred eight Panchakshara Manthra or the worshiper can perform several thousands of sun worship/Suryanamaskara to please Lord Surya with theAthmayajja as well.  The circumambulation of Lord Shiva removes all the sins of the worshiper, sins are the root cause for the sufferings and ailments.  These sins can be washed out following the Dharmic way of living prescribed in the scriptures.  The performance of any righteous deed that pleases Lord Shiva would remove the sins of the worshiper.  The recitation of Omkara and circumambulation of Lord Shiva is highly propitious.”

Jananm Maranam Dhvandham Mayachakramithiritham | Shivasya Mayachakre Hi Balipeedam Thadhuchyathe ||

Sutha Pauranika continues “ Oh! Mahamathe, The repetition of birth and death takes place under the influence of ‘Mayachakra’ of Lord Shiva, worship of the Balipeedam which represents Mayacakra, is a method of surrendering to supreme Lord who is the creator of Mayachakra.  The performance of Mahapuja/Shodasha Puja of Lord Shiva provides an auspicious reward to the worshiper.  The circumambulation of Lord Shiva removes all the sins of the worshiper.  A Mouni/speechless person who conducts adoration of Lord Shiva yields the merit of truthfulness, Tapas, meditation and wisdom,  Siddhi, attractive physique, removal of ignorance, nobility and closeness to Lord Shiva.  The worship of Lord Shiva should be conducted according to the Time, and Zone of the country the worshiper and physical health and financial status. An intellectual who have fair means of earning should reside close to the vicinity of the temple of Lord Shiva, he/she should not engage in the killing of creatures or causing disturbance to others.  A devotee of Lord Shiva should impart the knowledge on sacred chants on Lord Shiva, even though Lord Shiva himself only knows about the glories of these sacred chants.  Oh! Bhoosura/twice-born, the ardent devotees of Lord Shiva remains close to Linga,  in this way taking refuge close to a Sthanulinga, he himself turns out Lord Shiva on the Earth.”

Shivabhaktho Vasennithyam Shivalingam Samashritha: | Sthanulingashrayenaiva Sthanur Bhavathi Bhoosura: ||

Whoever reads or listens to it would attain all the auspiciousness, intense devotion at the lotus feet of Supreme Lord Shiva.  Whoever reads or listen to this glorious chapter would attain knowledge on the beliefs of Lord Shiva with his grace.