The mode of Initiation (dīkṣā-vidhi) - Verse 3
Linga Purana (GRETIL / Wisdomlib) · 2 · Verse 21.3
Sanskrit Original
चूर्णैरष्टदलं वृत्तं सितं वा रक्तमेव च। परिवारेण संयुक्तं बहुशोभासमन्वितम।।
cūrṇairaṣṭadalaṃ vṛttaṃ sitaṃ vā raktameva ca| parivāreṇa saṃyuktaṃ bahuśobhāsamanvitam||
Sūta said: The ground intended for the mystic diagram should be duly tested in regard to smell, colour, taste, etc. It should be rendered befitting the invocation of the lord by decorating it with canopies, etc. The maṇḍala of the magnitude of a Hasta (hand) shall be made. In the middle the diagram of a lotus set with five diamonds shall be marked by means of powder. It shall be circular with eight petals. It shall be white or red in colour. It shall be bright and splendid. In the pericarp Śiva the cause of the universe shall be invoked along with the attendants. Then the devotee shall worship it assiduously in accordance with the extent of his wealth.