Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 22
भक्ताधिकारि-द्विजधर्म-योगिलक्षणवर्णनम् / Duties of Qualified Devotees and Marks of Yogins
ब्रह्मचर्यं सदा स्नानं भस्मना सलिलेन वा । शांतिर्मौनं क्षमा नित्यं संविभागो यथाविधि
brahmacaryaṃ sadā snānaṃ bhasmanā salilena vā | śāṃtirmaunaṃ kṣamā nityaṃ saṃvibhāgo yathāvidhi
Observer le brahmacarya, demeurer sans cesse pur par le bain—avec la bhasma (cendre sacrée) ou avec l’eau—avec la paix du cœur, le mauna (silence et maîtrise de la parole), le pardon infaillible et le partage des biens selon la règle des śāstras : tout cela doit être pratiqué constamment.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
FAQs
It outlines core Shaiva disciplines that purify the pashu (bound soul) and loosen pasha (bondage): bodily purity (snana), inner restraint (mauna), emotional purification (kshama), and dharmic conduct (sharing), preparing the devotee for Shiva’s grace and liberation.
Bathing and applying bhasma are classic external marks of Shaiva worship connected with Linga-upasana; they symbolize burning of impurities and remembrance of Shiva as the purifier, while peace, silence, and forgiveness are the inner worship that makes the outer ritual fruitful.
Maintain brahmacharya and daily snana; use bhasma (Tripundra) or water for purification, observe mindful silence, cultivate forgiveness, and practice yathavidhi giving—supporting steady meditation and mantra-japa such as Om Namah Shivaya.