Listen, as the sacred narrative unfolds: It is taught that whoever worships Shiva with the hymn—whether wrathful or free from anger—even if that person has once fallen or is deluded, liberation is bestowed upon them. If one worships the great god with the six-syllabled mantra or with the hymn-mantra, a devotee of Shiva who has conquered anger, whether they have attained or not, is indeed accomplished. Here, even one who has not attained is regarded as having attained—there is no doubt. By the Brahman part or with the swan, liberation is assured. Therefore, one should always worship Shiva with devotion, using the hymn-mantra, whether once, twice, thrice a day, or at all times. Those who worship the great god should themselves be known as lords; Shiva, the blessed one, is not worshipped by knowledge alone, even with the help of the self. One who, having attained the rare human birth, yet remains deluded and does not worship Shiva, wanders long in this world, in the ocean of suffering. Such a birth is fruitless, for it does not lead to liberation. But those who, having attained the rare human birth, worship the bearer of the pināka bow, for them, indeed, birth is fruitful. These best among men have fulfilled their purpose, being devoted to Bhava, their minds bowed to him. Those intent on remembering Bhava do not partake of suffering. For those who desire great enjoyments and sovereignty in the abode of the gods, the fruits of Shiva’s worship are delightful houses, ornaments of passion, women, and wealth—which, though abundant, ends in dissatisfaction. Yet, they always desire the lotus feet of Hara. Good fortune, beauty, radiant form, noble character, and a mind softened by renunciation—these, along with courage and fame in the world, come to one who worships Shiva. Therefore, abandoning everything, with a mind intent only on Shiva, one should perform the rite of Shiva’s worship if one desires Shiva for oneself. Life passes swiftly, youth passes swiftly, and disease comes swiftly. Thus, the bearer of the pināka bow should be worshipped as long as death has not come, as long as old age has not overtaken, as long as the senses have not failed. So long should one worship Shankara, for there is no other dharma in the three worlds equal to the worship of Shiva. Knowing this, one should diligently worship Sadashiva, performing the door-ritual, curtain, and making offerings to the attendants. One should always hold a festival and, if possible, worship at the time of grace, after offering oblations, whether oneself or even an attendant. Offerings to the attendants of grace should be given in due order. Then, with musical instruments, one should stand facing the proper direction, offering flowers, incense, and a lamp, along with food and water. Standing upon the great altar facing east, one should present the offering. Afterwards, whatever food and other items have been previously offered to the deity, all of it—whether with remnants or not—should be dedicated to Caṇḍa. Having performed the oblation according to the prescribed method, one should complete the remainder of the worship. Then, having properly executed the ritual, one should recite the mantra as instructed. The daily festival should be conducted as prescribed in Shiva’s ordinance, using a large, radiant vessel adorned with red lotuses. There, one should invoke and worship the divine Pāśupata weapon. The vessel of Shiva should be placed upon a decorated Brahmin, with the form of the weapon placed upon him, holding a shining staff, outside the temple precincts, accompanied by auspicious sounds. Along with dance, song, and other festivities, and with lamps, banners, and the like, one should perform three circumambulations—not too quickly nor too slowly. Having encircled the great altar three times, the sacrificer, standing at the doorway with hands joined, re-enters, takes the weapon inside, and then dismisses it. After performing circumambulation and related rites as previously described, one should take eight flowers and then complete the worship. Now, hear the explanation of the fire ritual. Whether in a pit, on the ground, on an altar, or in a vessel of iron or new, auspicious clay, having established the fire according to the prescribed method and properly prepared it, one should worship Mahādeva there and perform the oblation ritual. The fire pit may be two hand-spans wide, or one hand-span, either circular or square, and a mandala altar should be created. The fire pit should be broad and deep, with an eight-petaled lotus in its center, raised four fingers high, or even two fingers. Its height is said to be twice the width of a span, not exceeding the navel; the center is measured by the middle finger, between its middle and upper joints. According to the wise, the hand is measured by twenty-four fingers; there may be three, two, or one belt (mekhalā) around it. One should fashion the fire pit as pleasing, smooth, and firm with clay, resembling the shape of a fig leaf or the support of an elephant. The belt should be made in the middle, either on the west or south side, beautiful and slightly lower than the fire, with a gentle opening. The belt should be left slightly open toward the fire pit in front; there is no fixed rule for the altar’s elevation, whether soft or sandy. The circle should be made with cow dung and water; the measure of the vessel is not specified. The fire-pit should be of clay, and the altar should be smeared with cow dung and water. After washing, the vessel should be heated and sprinkled with other water. Then, according to the procedure stated in one’s own tradition, one should inscribe the marks on the fire-pit and so on. Having sprinkled the area, one should arrange the seat for the fire with darbha grass or flowers, and prepare all the materials needed for worship and for the fire offering. After washing, the items to be washed should be purified by sprinkling, whether made of gems or wood, or originating from the house of a learned Brahmin. Thus, the path of worship is revealed—rich in devotion, careful in ritual, and leading ever closer to the blessed feet of Shiva.