Meditation after Purāṇa Recitation

Translation: Just as a mirror becomes spotless after cleaning (and can reflect all light), similarly listening (or reading) of the Śiva purāṇa makes the mind spotlessly clean, without any doubt. Such a spotless mind becomes the abode of Śiva and Sāmbikā (Pārvatī). When the mind reflects clearly [the light of the soul], the same is purified [faster] and such a pure soul then attains to the paraṁ padaṁ of Sāmbaśiva (mokṣa).

Maharṣi Jaimini has indicated Sāmbaśiva for Jupiter associating with the jīvanamuktāṁśa which is the twelfth house from kārakāṁśa. In the Ṛk Veda Viśvāmitra also eulogizes Bṛhaspati^[1] for good thoughts and a clear mind. Jupiter rules the 12th house of the natural zodiac and shows the inclination of the mind towards renunciation, meditation and samādhī. It is evident from the teaching that the reading of the Śiva purāṇa automatically causes the mind to become pure and clear so that it is ready for proper meditation.

The Śiva purāṇa extols people from all walks of life to listen to the story of Cañculā which was composed by Mahādeva on the constant insistence of Pārvatī due to compassion for all the fallen souls.

The Śiva purāṇa teaches that the name Mahādeva refers to the letter ‘A’, the Ṛk Veda and sunrise which dispels all darkness. This is the name with which Rajas guṇa Brahma worships Sāmbaśiva for sunrise that dispels all darkness. The name Maheśvara refers to the Sattva guṇa prevailing at midday with maximum sunlight which is Viṣṇu worshipping Sāmbaśiva. The letter ‘U’ and the Yajur veda are also associated with this. The name Śiva refers to the sunset where tamas guṇa prevails and with this name Sāmbaśiva removes tamas guṇa, giving enlightenment. The letter ‘M’ and the Sāma Veda are associated with Śiva. The learned Brahmins worships Sāmbaśiva with the 14 akṣara mantra –

In addition, the three mantras are recited for all beneficence from the three guṇa mūrti at sunrise, noon and sunset respectively or choose one based on your Moon sign in navamsa, for that is your real guna of the mind.

This mantra removes the rajas guṇa dosha like greed, excessive sexuality etc. Lord Brahma worships Shiva with this mantra
Women/Men who have multiple partners before marriage must do this before they tie the marriage knot. Then you have a real chance in having a happy marriage

This mantra maintains the sattva guṇa like the Sun that never fails to rise. Lord Vishnu (and all avatara) worships Shiva with this mantra or its modifications only.

This mantra destroys the tamas guṇa dosha that causes disease, decay and all evils. Gauri Devi (and all forms of Mother Divine) worship Shiva with this mantra or its modifications only.
This is the best mantra to start the Panchakshari sadhana.

The Śiva purāṇa continues that if one is unable to meditate on Lord Śiva, then by listening to the Śiva purāṇa, the mind becomes purified and then he is able to meditate properly If one cannot meditate at all in this life, then if one listens to the Śiva purāṇa then surely in the next life he will be a great meditator being capable of bringing the mind to stay at the feet of Lord Śiva. Thereafter mokṣa is sure to come. Those who listen to the purāṇa before performing meditation, easily achieve the siddhi. Therefore, reading of the purāṇa before meditation is strongly recommended.

Merely hearing the purāṇa leads to every conceivable form of welfare, and therefore even to get rid of diseases and ailments, the Śiva purāṇa must be read after mantra japa and before dhyāna. Maheśvara bhakti automatically brings the blessings of his sons Kārtikeya and Gaṇeśa which leads to spiritual transformations due to jñāna, bhakti and vairāgya and many blessings that ultimately bring salvation