Shloka 36
Kālajñāna (Knowledge of Time) and Mṛtyu-cihna (Signs of Death): Śiva’s Instruction to Umā
तस्मिन्पर्वणि सा रेखा दृश्यते भृंगसन्निभा । तत्तिथौ हि मृतिर्ज्ञेया कृष्णे शुक्ले तथा प्रिये
tasminparvaṇi sā rekhā dṛśyate bhṛṃgasannibhā | tattithau hi mṛtirjñeyā kṛṣṇe śukle tathā priye
On that parvan, a line is seen on the joint, resembling a black bee. On that very tithi one should understand that death is indicated—whether in the dark fortnight (kṛṣṇa) or the bright fortnight (śukla), O beloved.
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Mahākāla
FAQs
It highlights impermanence and the role of time (kāla) as a power under Shiva’s lordship; recognizing signs in time is meant to turn the mind toward devotion, detachment, and reliance on Pati (Shiva) rather than fear.
When time appears threatening (death-indicating tithi), Shaiva practice redirects attention to Saguna Shiva as the compassionate Lord who grants protection and right understanding; Linga-worship and japa anchor the mind in Shiva as the transcendent ruler of kāla.
Observe the tithi with increased japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), perform simple Linga-pūjā with water and bilva, and contemplate Shiva as kālātīta (beyond time) to dissolve anxiety and strengthen vairāgya.