Shloka 21
Sadācāra–Varṇa-lakṣaṇa and Prātaḥkṛtya
Right Conduct, Social Typologies, and Morning Purification
जाबालकोक्तमंत्रेण भस्मना च त्रिपुंड्रकम् । अन्यथा चेज्जले पात इतस्तन्नरकमृच्छति
jābālakoktamaṃtreṇa bhasmanā ca tripuṃḍrakam | anyathā cejjale pāta itastannarakamṛcchati
One should apply the Tripuṇḍra (three horizontal lines) with sacred ash (bhasma), using the mantra taught in the Jābāla tradition. If one does otherwise, then after death he falls into the infernal waters; by this very fault he goes to hell.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva’s prescribed marks and disciplines of worship to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
It teaches that Tripuṇḍra with bhasma is not merely a social mark but a Shaiva vow (vrata): a visible commitment to Shiva, purity, and disciplined remembrance, and neglecting it is treated as a serious breach of Shaiva conduct.
Tripuṇḍra-bhasma is a preparatory and continual act of Saguna Shiva devotion—marking the body as Shiva’s temple—supporting daily Linga worship through purity, mantra, and right ritual orientation.
Apply Tripuṇḍra using sacred ash while reciting the Jābāla-authorized mantra; maintain it as a daily Shaiva observance alongside mantra-japa (especially the Panchākṣarī) and Linga worship.