Shloka 10
Kālajñāna (Knowledge of Time) and Mṛtyu-cihna (Signs of Death): Śiva’s Instruction to Umā
मुखं कर्णौ तथा चक्षुर्जिह्वास्तम्भो यदा भवेत् । तदा मृत्युं विजानीयात्षण्मासाभ्यन्तरे प्रिये
mukhaṃ karṇau tathā cakṣurjihvāstambho yadā bhavet | tadā mṛtyuṃ vijānīyātṣaṇmāsābhyantare priye
Ó amada, quando surgirem rigidez ou perda de função no rosto, nos ouvidos, nos olhos e na língua, saiba-se que a morte está próxima — dentro de seis meses.
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Mahākāla
Jyotirlinga: Mahākāleśvara
Sthala Purana: Mahākāla presides over kāla and mṛtyu; contemplation of bodily decay is used to turn the paśu toward Śiva-śaraṇāgati.
Significance: Invokes awareness of mortality; encourages japa/vrata and detachment, seeking Śiva’s anugraha beyond kāla.
Mantra: ॐ नमः शिवाय
Type: panchakshara
FAQs
It underscores impermanence of the embodied state (pashu) and urges timely turning to Shiva (Pati) through devotion and inner discipline, so awareness of death becomes a catalyst for sadhana rather than fear.
By highlighting life’s uncertainty, it directs the devotee to take refuge in Saguna Shiva—especially Linga worship—as a steady support for purification (pasha-kshaya) and remembrance of Shiva leading toward liberation.
Increase daily Shiva upasana: Panchakshara japa (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), Linga abhisheka with prayerful detachment, and steady meditation on Shiva as the inner witness to loosen attachment to the body.