The months of Māgha and Bhādrapada are the most auspicious of all occasions. During the days of Japa be shall take only a single meal during the day in limited quantities. He shall abstain from useless talk and curb all his sense organs.
स्वस्य राजपितृ-णां च शुश्रूषणं च नित्यशः । सहस्रजपमात्रेण भवेच्छुद्धोऽन्यथा ऋणी ३७ ।
He shall uninterruptedly render service to his parents and the king, or any master whom he serves. By performing the Japa a thousand times, he shall be free from indebtedness, otherwise not.
One should chant the Panchakshara mantra 5 lakh times, meditating on Lord Shiva, seated in Padmasana, adorned with the Ganga, the moon, and other divine symbols.
With the energy of the left side, He shines with the great Ganas (attendants of Lord Shiva). He is the deity holding a tiger skin, with a hand raised in blessing and protection (Varada and Abhaya mudras).
सदानुग्रहकर्त्तारं सदा शिवमनुस्मरन् । संपूज्य मनसा पूर्वं हृदिवासूर्यमंडले 1.17.४० ।
By constantly remembering Shiva, the eternal bestower of grace, and mentally worshiping Him first, one should offer worship with the heart centered in the solar (Sūrya) mandala.