Shloka 3

Adhyaya 34: भस्ममहात्म्यं—अग्नीषोमात्मक-शिवतत्त्वं तथा पाशुपतव्रतप्रशंसा

Devanagari script

भस्मसाद्विहितं सर्वं पवित्रमिदमुत्तमम् भस्मना वीर्यमास्थाय भूतानि परिषिञ्चति

Transliteration

bhasmasādvihitaṃ sarvaṃ pavitramidamuttamam bhasmanā vīryamāsthāya bhūtāni pariṣiñcati

Translation

这一切——当被加持而成为圣灰（bhasma）之境时——便成就至上的净化者。凭依圣灰之威德，人以洒洒或涂抹而令一切众生得以清净；因为其中含藏湿婆作为主宰（Pati）的力量，能焚烧不净之缚（pāśa）。

Word by Word

• भस्मसा(द्): into/as bhasma (sacred ash)

• विहितम्: ordained/established, duly prepared

• सर्वम्: all (things/acts)

• पवित्रम्: purifying, holy

• इदम्: this

• उत्तमम्: supreme, best

• भस्मना: by/with bhasma

• वीर्यम्: potency, sacred power

• आस्थाय: having assumed/embraced, taking refuge in

• भूतानि: beings/creatures/elements

• परिषिञ्चति: sprinkles upon, anoints, sanctifies

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It elevates bhasma (vibhuti) as a supreme purifier used in Shaiva practice—supporting Linga-puja by emphasizing anointing/sanctifying actions that align the worshipper with Śiva’s purifying power.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

Śiva-tattva is implied through the “vīrya” (potency) carried by bhasma: the Lord as Pati empowers purification that burns away pasha (bondage) and restores the pashu (soul) toward śuddhi (purity).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Shaiva bhasma-dhāraṇa and bhasma-prokṣaṇa (applying/sprinkling sacred ash), a Pāśupata-oriented purification practice used to consecrate oneself and one’s surroundings for worship and inner discipline.