Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 25
विष्णु-ब्रह्म-विवाद-वर्णनम्
Description of the Viṣṇu–Brahmā Dispute and Brahmā’s Confusion
मामत्र संस्थितं भासाध्यासितो भगवान्हरिः । आह चोत्थाय ब्रह्माणं हसन्मां मधुरं सकृत्
māmatra saṃsthitaṃ bhāsādhyāsito bhagavānhariḥ | āha cotthāya brahmāṇaṃ hasanmāṃ madhuraṃ sakṛt
Während ich dort saß, erhob sich der erhabene Herr Hari, geschmückt mit Bhasma (heiliger Asche), und—sanft lächelnd—sprach er einmal süß zu mir und zu Brahmā.
Brahmā (narrating within the Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa context)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Nīlakaṇṭha
FAQs
The verse highlights the sanctity of bhasma as a Shaiva marker of humility and impermanence, and shows divine harmony—Hari approaches with sweetness and reverence, reflecting that all cosmic functions ultimately align with Śiva-tattva in Shaiva Siddhanta.
Hari being described as adorned with bhasma points to Saguna Shaiva practice (Tripuṇḍra/bhasma-dhāraṇa) associated with Linga worship—external marks reinforcing inward surrender to Śiva as Pati (Lord) beyond the roles of creation and preservation.
Bhasma-dhāraṇa (applying sacred ash, traditionally as Tripuṇḍra) is implied—done with remembrance of Śiva and, where appropriate, with japa of the Panchākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” cultivating detachment and devotion.