Shloka 38
भस्म-प्रकार-त्रिपुण्ड्र-धारण-विधिः
Types of Bhasma and the Method of Wearing Tripuṇḍra
न त्याज्यं सर्ववर्णैश्च भस्मधारणमुत्तमम् । अन्यैरपि यथाजीवैस्सदेति शिवशासनम्
na tyājyaṃ sarvavarṇaiśca bhasmadhāraṇamuttamam | anyairapi yathājīvaissadeti śivaśāsanam
The supreme observance of wearing bhasma, the sacred ash, should not be abandoned by people of any social order. Indeed, it is to be practiced by all—each according to one’s station in life—for such is the enduring command of Lord Śiva.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva’s injunction to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
It declares bhasma-dhāraṇa (Tripuṇḍra) as a universally valid Shaiva observance—an outer sign that supports inner remembrance of Śiva, dispassion, and purity, and thus aids the soul (paśu) in moving toward Śiva’s grace (pati).
Bhasma is a canonical Shaiva mark used alongside Saguna worship such as Liṅga-pūjā; it signifies dedication to Śiva’s form and discipline, reinforcing the devotee’s identity as a Śiva-bhakta during daily worship and temple rites.
Wear sacred ash regularly as Tripuṇḍra, maintaining it as a daily vow according to one’s capacity and life-condition, as part of Shaiva practice (often together with mantra-japa such as the Pañcākṣarī).