Shloka 86
भस्म-प्रकार-त्रिपुण्ड्र-धारण-विधिः
Types of Bhasma and the Method of Wearing Tripuṇḍra
मध्यमानामिकांगुल्या मध्ये तु प्रतिलोमतः । अंगुष्ठेन कृता रेखा त्रिपुंड्राख्या भिधीयते
madhyamānāmikāṃgulyā madhye tu pratilomataḥ | aṃguṣṭhena kṛtā rekhā tripuṃḍrākhyā bhidhīyate
When, in the middle space, a line is drawn in the reverse direction using the thumb—after arranging the middle and ring fingers—this line is known as the Tripuṇḍra, the three sacred ash marks.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
The verse teaches the correct formation of the Tripuṇḍra, a Shaiva sign of surrender to Pati (Shiva) and a reminder of inner purity and detachment cultivated through sacred ash (bhasma).
Tripuṇḍra is part of external discipline (ācāra) that supports Saguna Shiva worship—preparing the devotee’s body and mind for pūjā, japa, and reverence toward the Linga as Shiva’s accessible form.
It specifies a practical step in applying bhasma: arranging the middle and ring fingers and drawing the central line with the thumb in the reverse direction, as part of the Tripuṇḍra application ritual.