304 - The mode of worship ofshiva with the mantra of five syllables

Agni said:

1. “Meshaḥ, Samjñā, visam, såjyaṁ, asti, dirghodakań, rasaḥ.” This is the mantra sacred to (Lord) Śiva that confers good. 

2-4. After having worshipped the asterisms etc. well one would gain the status of the celestials etc. (Lord)shiva, the cmbodiment of knowledge, the Supreme Brahman and the highest intellect (should be contemplated) in one's heart. Brahma and other gods are born of His power and are only His manifestations. The letters of the mantra (gave rise) to the five elements, their respective mantras and their respective matter. Präna and other (vital) winds, the five organs of sense and five organs of action, everything are (the manifestation of) Brahman, namely, the five letters. Similarly we have the embodiment of eight syllables. 

5-8. The place of initiation sanctified by the mantrashould be washed with (the five things got from a cow). The essential articles for worship (should be taken to the place) and (Lord)shivashould be worshipped as laid down. After having practised the location of the mantras on the main image and the limbs, riceshould be scattered. Then the porridgeshould be made ready and the milk boiled. Then itshould be divided into three parts. One partshould be dedicated (to the god), the secondshould be given as oblation and the thirdshould be taken by the preceptor and the pupil. After rinsing the mouth and accomplishing the transformation, the precepiorshould give the disciple a twig of the kshira tree for (cleansing) the teeth after sanctifying it with (the mantra of) the heart. After having cleaned the teeth and washed the mouth, heshould throw it on the ground. 

9-11. It (indicates) good if it falls in the northern or western direction from the east and bad otherwise. The wise (preceptor)should make it dry by tying the tuft of the disciple who has come and make him lie down on the sacrificial altar on the bed of darbha (grass) together with himself. At dawn the pupilshould meet the preceptor who has slept well and let him know (the dream he had). Then worship (should be done) supreme principle. Then the preceptorshould regenerate the pupil by the process of (tantric) creation. After having located (the supreme principle) in the pupil, he must be led circumambulating. After bringing him to the western door, (the preceptor)should make (the pupil) throw (the flowers) held in the folded hands. On whatever place the flowers fall that nameshould first be given (to the pupil). 

36b-41. By the side of the sacrificialshed a pitshould be dug up in such a way that it has the navel and girdle. The fire of Lordshivashould be generated and worshipped. Itshould again be worshipped by the pupil. (Then the preceptor)should absorb the pupil in his own self after contemplation by means of the process of dissolution. Again regenerating him, darbha (grass) consecrated with the repetition of mantrasshould be placed in his hand. The principles such as the earth and othersshould be offered to the fire with (the repetition of the mantras of) the heart and others. After having offered hundred oblations for each (one of the principles), oneshould do oblation with the principal (mantra) of (the principle of) sky. After having offered the final oblation, oneshould offer eight oblations with (the mantra of) the weapon. (After having performed) the rite of atonement for the sake of purification, itshould be completed with the residual offering. Then a consecrated pitchershould be worshipped well and the pupil bathed on the seat. (Then the preceptor)should instruct the pupil in the ceremonial practice and (the pupil)should pay respect to his preceptor by (offering) gold and other things. Thus the initiation into the five syllables relating to (god) Vishņu and others has been narrated.