21 - Worship of Pañcha-vaktra Shiva

Suta said:

1. I shall now severally relate the worship of Panchavaktra¹ (Shiva) which gives enjoyment and salvation.

1. The five forms of Shiva who has five face are - Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurusha, and Ishāna.

Om Bhūh obeisance to Vişhnu, the primordial principle, the form that supports everything, Svāhā.

2. The invocation of Sadyojata (Shiva) should be made with this mantra at first.

Om obeisance to Sadyojāta. Of him the eight Kalas are well praised.

3. They are Siddhi (achievement), Ruddhi (prosperity) Dhruti (courage), Lakşhmi (wealth), Medha (intellect), Kanti (splendour) Svadha (oblation) and Sthiti (sustenance).

Om Ham obeisance to Vámadeva.

His Kalas are thirteen.

4. Rājā (the king), Rakshā (protection), Rati (love), Palya (that which should be preserved), Kanti (splendour), Truşhņā (thirst), Mati (reflection), Kriyā (action), Kama (lust), Buddhi (Intellect), Ratri (Night), Trasani, (that which terrifies) and Mohini (that which enchants).

5. There are eight terrific Kalas¹ viz Manonmani (suppressing the mind), Aghora (not awful), Mohā (delusion), Kshudhā (hunger), Kala (digit), Nidră (sleep), Mrutyu (death) and Maya (illusion).

1. There obviously belong to Aghora.

6. Om Hralm obeisance to Tatpurusha alone. (His Kalās are) Nivrutti (return), Pratishtha (Stabilization), Vidyā (learning) Shanti (Peace).

7. Om Hraum obeisance to Ishana. (His Kalās are) Nishchala (unmoving), Niranjana (unsullied), Sashini, (bright) Arganā (woman), Marichi (ray) and Jvalini (having flames).

Summary of chapter 21 of the Garuda Mahā Purana - Achara Khaṇḍa is as follows:

The narrative presents powerful Mantras and subtle energetic rituals meant for neutralizing physical and venomous poisons. Bhagavān Vishṇu explains how the focused vibration of sacred sounds combined with divine grace neutralizes toxic elements in the body and restores natural harmony.