Shloka 4

Adhyaya 34: भस्ममहात्म्यं—अग्नीषोमात्मक-शिवतत्त्वं तथा पाशुपतव्रतप्रशंसा

Devanagari script

अग्निकार्यं च यः कृत्वा करिष्यति त्रियायुषम् भस्मना मम वीर्येण मुच्यते सर्वकिल्बिषैः

Transliteration

agnikāryaṃ ca yaḥ kṛtvā kariṣyati triyāyuṣam bhasmanā mama vīryeṇa mucyate sarvakilbiṣaiḥ

Translation

Whoever, having performed the fire-rite (agni-kārya), thereafter observes the vow for the span of three lifetimes—by that sacred ash, infused with My divine potency, is released from all sins. Thus the paśu, purified of pāśa, becomes fit for the grace of Pati.

Word by Word

• agni-kāryam: fire-rite/oblation-duty

• ca: and

• yaḥ: whoever

• kṛtvā: having done/performed

• kariṣyati: will undertake/shall practice

• tri-āyuṣam: for three lifetimes/for a triple span of life

• bhasmanā: by/with the sacred ash (bhasma)

• mama: My

• vīryeṇa: by potency/energy/efficacy

• mucyate: is liberated/is released

• sarva-kilbiṣaiḥ: from all sins/defilements

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva’s teaching on the power of bhasma within ritual discipline)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Agni

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It frames bhasma as Shiva-charged sanctity: when used with agni-karya and disciplined observance, it purifies the worshipper (pashu) and makes them fit for Linga-upasana and Shiva’s grace.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

Shiva is presented as Pati whose vīrya (divine efficacy) resides in bhasma; liberation is not merely ritual merit but the burning away of kilbiṣa and pāśa through Shiva’s power operating via sacred means.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Agni-karya (fire-rite) together with a long-term vrata/observance involving bhasma—aligned with Pashupata discipline where purity, austerity, and Shiva-oriented consecration reduce karmic bondage.