Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 25
विष्णु-ब्रह्म-विवाद-वर्णनम्
Description of the Viṣṇu–Brahmā Dispute and Brahmā’s Confusion
मामत्र संस्थितं भासाध्यासितो भगवान्हरिः । आह चोत्थाय ब्रह्माणं हसन्मां मधुरं सकृत्
māmatra saṃsthitaṃ bhāsādhyāsito bhagavānhariḥ | āha cotthāya brahmāṇaṃ hasanmāṃ madhuraṃ sakṛt
Tandis que j’étais assis là, le Seigneur bienheureux Hari, paré de bhasma (cendre sacrée), se leva et—souriant avec douceur—adressa une parole suave, une fois, à moi et à Brahmā.
Brahmā (narrating within the Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa context)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Nīlakaṇṭha
FAQs
The verse highlights the sanctity of bhasma as a Shaiva marker of humility and impermanence, and shows divine harmony—Hari approaches with sweetness and reverence, reflecting that all cosmic functions ultimately align with Śiva-tattva in Shaiva Siddhanta.
Hari being described as adorned with bhasma points to Saguna Shaiva practice (Tripuṇḍra/bhasma-dhāraṇa) associated with Linga worship—external marks reinforcing inward surrender to Śiva as Pati (Lord) beyond the roles of creation and preservation.
Bhasma-dhāraṇa (applying sacred ash, traditionally as Tripuṇḍra) is implied—done with remembrance of Śiva and, where appropriate, with japa of the Panchākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” cultivating detachment and devotion.