Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 34
शिवाश्रम-नित्यनैमित्तिककर्मविधिः / Śaiva Āśrama-Duties: Daily and Occasional Rites
Morning Purity & Bath Procedure
तादृशं भुजयोर्मूर्ध्नि स्तनयोरंतरे लिखेत् । सर्वांगोद्धूलनं चैव न समानं त्रिपुण्ड्रकैः
tādṛśaṃ bhujayormūrdhni stanayoraṃtare likhet | sarvāṃgoddhūlanaṃ caiva na samānaṃ tripuṇḍrakaiḥ
同じ印を両腕に、頭頂に、そして両乳の間にも記すべきである。全身に聖灰を塗り広げることさえ、トリプンダラ（Tripuṇḍra）の印の卓越には及ばない。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
It teaches that disciplined Shaiva observance—specifically the Tripuṇḍra—outshines mere external smearing of ash, because Tripuṇḍra functions as a conscious vow of devotion, purity, and surrender to Pati (Shiva) for liberation.
Tripuṇḍra is a visible Shaiva identity used while approaching Saguna Shiva in worship—especially in Linga-puja—signifying reverence, ritual fitness, and the devotee’s orientation toward Shiva’s grace while remembering His transcendent (Nirguna) reality.
Apply Tripuṇḍra with bhasma on the arms, head, and chest (between the breasts), treating the act as mindful worship—ideally alongside Shaiva mantra remembrance such as the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya).