________________
Kriyāpāda a very high standard for the preceptor deailing the fields of knowledge in which proficiency is required. (12) The worship of attendant deities like Navagrahas, Gaņapati, Dvärapåla is essential in propitating the main deity Siva. Hence a knowledge of their forms and places in the shrine becomes a must. Each of these deities possesses particular forms, weapons, etc. • The worship of Navagrahas has its own ancilliaries. For worshipping Surya-the sun, two doorkeepers called Dvārapālas having a fierce form and weapons are to be propitiated. Two forms consorts of the sun god are called Prabha and Sandhyā. The form of the god to be maditated upon is as follows. सूर्याचार्यामथ तद्वारपालो दण्डी खड्गं विदधद् दक्षिणस्थः । खड्गी वामे कपिशः पिङ्गलाख्यो रक्ताकल्पावपि तौ चण्डवेषौ ।।
Similarly the form of the other deities included in the concept of the Navagrhas are ennmerated. Thus we have the description of the of Candra (Moon), Bhumija (Mars) Sasija (Mercury), Dhişna (Brhaspati) bhrguja (Sukra) Manda (Saturn), Rähu the dragon's head or the eighth planet and Ketu (the dragon's tail or the 9th planet). All these nine planets are concieved as youthful deities having a shining crown and ornaments. Their worship is essential for the well-being of the world.
In the temple Siva may bé concieved as the main deity. He is attended by Ganpati and Sarasvati (Vānīs. Nandiśa and Mahākāla are the two doorkeepers. Rivers like Gangā and Kalindi assume the form of beautiful ladies to attend on him. Vāstupuruşa-the demon of the land lies bending his face down and extending his hands and legs. The Aştamurti conception also is subjected to worship. The eight forms of Siva are the five elements-water, fire, air and ether, the sun and moon and the sacrificing priest. Each of these forms is described as possessing the form of a deity with all attending aspects. Then the seven divine mothers attending on Śiva are described as possessing individual forms. The seven mother deities to be installed and worshipped are: Brāhmi. Māheśvari, Kaumāri,
