The Garuda Purana

by Manmatha Nath Dutt | 1908 | 245,256 words | ISBN-13: 9788183150736

The English translation of the Garuda Purana: contents include a creation theory, description of vratas (religious observances), sacred holidays, sacred places dedicated to the sun, but also prayers from the Tantrika ritual, addressed to the sun, to Shiva, and to Vishnu. The Garuda Purana also contains treatises on astrology, palmistry, and preci...

Chapter XXII - The mode of worshipping Shiva

Suta said:—I will now describe the great adoration of Shiva which yeilds enjoyment and emancipation. He is of a quiescent soul, present every where, void and stationed in a room of twelve parts. His five mouths are represented by five short vowels and his limbs by long vowels added with Vindu. His weapon is represented by Visarga. Then the word Shiva should be written upwards. With the sixth the great mantram Haum impregnated with various meanings should be written. With hands the after parts of the feet should be held and then the ends thereof should be placed on the head. This is the great Mudra. Then the assignment of hands should be made. With the astra mantram the back should be purified. Then beginning with the youngest finger and ending with the fore all the fingers should be assigned.

I will now describe the adoration in the pericarp of the lotus of the heart. One should adore religion, knowledge, disassociation from the world and prosperity in the heart. The invocation and the installation [rites of the Deity], the water for washing feet and Arghya should be dedicated to the heart. And similarly the rinsing of the mouth, spring ling of water and adoration should be made.

I will now describe the rites of fire worship. They should be written with the astra mantram. Then the coat of mail should be sprinkled with water. And Sakti should be assigned to the heart. Then he should place fire either in the heart or in the pit for Sakti. Having performed the Garbhadhana he should celebrate the other rites. Afterwards having assigned to the heart the freedom from all those rites as well as all other rites he should perform Homa for Shiva and all the members of his family. Then in a diagram having the figure of a lotus drawn inside it he should worship the bull-emblemed deity Shambhu.

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