The Shiva Purana portrays devotion to Lord Shiva as a path that weaves together outer ritual and inner transformation. Central to this vision is the worship of the Shiva‑liṅga, which is to be installed with reverence and honored through daily pūjā. Devotees bathe the liṅga in abhiṣeka with water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, and other pure substances, and then offer bilva leaves, flowers, incense, lamps, sandal paste, sacred ash, and food. This temple or home worship is accompanied by circumambulation, prostration, and a general attitude of humility and surrender before the symbol of the formless Absolute.

Mantra, recitation, and meditation form the subtle core of the discipline. The Purana extols constant remembrance of Shiva through japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” along with other Shiva mantras and hymns such as Rudra hymns and collections of Shiva’s names. Silent, inward repetition is especially valued, often supported by the use of a rosary and a pure, consecrated space. Alongside this, devotees are encouraged to listen to and recite sacred narratives about Shiva, including the Shiva Purana itself, treating such study as an act of worship that purifies the mind and deepens faith.

A rich cycle of vows and fasts structures the devotee’s time and intention. Mahāśivarātri stands out as a great nocturnal observance marked by fasting, night‑long vigil, repeated worship, and continuous mantra‑japa. The Purana also praises pradoṣa worship on the thirteenth lunar day, Monday fasts, and special observances during auspicious months, all undertaken with self‑restraint and focused devotion. These vratas are not mere austerities; they are presented as occasions to renew one’s relationship with Shiva and to align daily life with sacred rhythm.

Outer signs and supports of devotion also receive attention. Wearing rudrākṣa beads on the body and applying vibhūti as tripuṇḍra on the forehead and other limbs are recommended as marks of belonging to Shiva and as subtle spiritual protection. Regular visits to Shiva temples and pilgrimages to renowned Shiva‑kṣetras and jyotirliṅgas are praised, especially when combined with bathing in sacred waters, liṅga‑pūjā, mantra‑japa, and charity. Service to temples—such as cleaning, lighting lamps, preparing garlands, and supporting festivals—becomes a concrete way of offering one’s energy to the Lord.

Underlying all these practices is a strong ethical and devotional teaching. The Shiva Purana repeatedly emphasizes non‑violence, truthfulness, purity, compassion, self‑control, and simplicity of life as essential expressions of Shiva‑bhakti. Acts of charity—feeding the poor, helping the needy, supporting seekers and sacred institutions—are said to be especially pleasing to Shiva when performed with a pure heart. In this way, ritual worship, mantra, fasting, pilgrimage, and scriptural study are all framed as stepping‑stones toward a deeper realization: constant remembrance of Shiva and the gradual recognition of Shiva as the inner Self of all beings.