Shloka 91
भस्म-प्रकार-त्रिपुण्ड्र-धारण-विधिः
Types of Bhasma and the Method of Wearing Tripuṇḍra
उकारो दक्षिणाग्निश्च नभस्तत्त्वं यजुस्तथा । मध्यंदिनं च सवनमिच्छाशक्त्यंतरात्मकौ
ukāro dakṣiṇāgniśca nabhastattvaṃ yajustathā | madhyaṃdinaṃ ca savanamicchāśaktyaṃtarātmakau
उकारः दक्षिणाग्निरपि, नभस्तत्त्वं यजुश्च; मध्यन्दिनसवनं च, इच्छाशक्त्यन्तरात्मना स्थितः।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Type: panchakshara
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches that the syllable ‘U’ of Oṃ is not merely a sound but a sacred mapping of the cosmos and worship: it corresponds to space (ākāśa-tattva), Vedic revelation (Yajus), and is ultimately internalized as icchā-śakti—the aspirant’s will turned toward Shiva.
In Linga-worship, outer rites (fire, Veda-recitation, timed worship like midday offerings) are meant to culminate in inner realization. By identifying ‘U’ with ritual elements and with icchā-śakti, the verse links Saguna worship (performed with symbols and rites) to the inner devotion and intention that leads the mind toward Shiva, the Pati.
Perform japa of Oṃ (or Oṃ Namaḥ Śivāya) while contemplating ‘U’ as ākāśa—vast, unobstructed awareness—and as icchā-śakti, resolving the will toward Shiva; if doing daily worship, emphasize the midday offering with steady mantra-recitation and focused intention.