Shloka 6
भस्म-प्रकार-त्रिपुण्ड्र-धारण-विधिः
Types of Bhasma and the Method of Wearing Tripuṇḍra
आग्नेयमुच्यते भस्म दग्धगोमयसंभवम् । तदापि द्र व्यमित्युक्तं त्रिपुंड्रस्य महामुने
āgneyamucyate bhasma dagdhagomayasaṃbhavam | tadāpi dra vyamityuktaṃ tripuṃḍrasya mahāmune
O großer Weiser, die Asche, die aus verbranntem Kuhdung entsteht, heißt „āgneya“ (feuergeboren). Auch diese wird als rechte heilige Substanz für das Auftragen des Tripuṇḍra, der drei Aschelinien, bezeichnet.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Significance: Bhasma-dhāraṇa and Tripuṇḍra are treated as Śaiva identity-marks that purify the sādhaka and steady daily worship, supporting eligibility for Śiva-upāsanā.
FAQs
It establishes that bhasma (sacred ash)—specifically fire-born ash from burnt cow-dung—is an approved purifier for Tripuṇḍra, symbolizing the burning of impurities and the transience of the body, aligning the devotee with Śiva as Pati (the liberating Lord).
Tripuṇḍra is a visible Shaiva mark used while honoring Saguna Śiva in Linga-pūjā; it functions as an external sign of inner devotion and disciplined practice, preparing the worshipper for focused reverence and grace.
Use āgneya bhasma (ash from burnt cow-dung) as a valid dravya to apply the Tripuṇḍra on the body—typically alongside Shaiva remembrance such as the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and a contemplative attitude of purification.