Shloka 78
बन्धमोक्षवर्णनम्
Bondage and Liberation: The Prakṛti–Karma Wheel and Śiva as the Transcendent Cause
तस्मादुद्धूलनं पूर्वं त्रिपुंड्रं धारयेत्परम् । पूजाकाले हि सजलं शुद्ध्यर्थं निर्जलं भवेत्
tasmāduddhūlanaṃ pūrvaṃ tripuṃḍraṃ dhārayetparam | pūjākāle hi sajalaṃ śuddhyarthaṃ nirjalaṃ bhavet
Therefore, one should first apply vibhūti, the sacred ash, and then wear the supreme Tripuṇḍra. But at the time of pūjā it should be mixed with water; for purity, otherwise it should be kept dry.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
It teaches that Bhasma and Tripuṇḍra are not mere symbols but disciplines of Shaiva purity—first establishing the mark of devotion, then maintaining ritual cleanliness through proper handling (wet during pūjā, otherwise dry).
In Linga-pūjā, outward ritual purity supports focused devotion to Saguna Shiva; moistening the ash during worship aligns with orderly, sanctified offering and preparation before approaching the Linga.
Apply Bhasma first and then wear the Tripuṇḍra; during pūjā use ash mixed with water, and at other times keep it dry—maintaining both bodily discipline and a steady Shaiva devotional identity.