Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 64
पाशुपतव्रतविधिः | The Procedure of the Supreme Pāśupata Vow
भस्मशायी तृणेशायी चीराजिनधृतो ऽथवा । ब्रह्मचर्यव्रतो नित्यं व्रतमेतत्समाचरेत्
bhasmaśāyī tṛṇeśāyī cīrājinadhṛto 'thavā | brahmacaryavrato nityaṃ vratametatsamācaret
当恒常奉行此誓：卧于圣灰之上，或卧于草席之上；身披树皮衣，或着鹿皮；并常住于梵行（brahmacarya）之戒。
Suta Goswami (narrating the Vāyavīya teaching to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Sthala Purana: Not a sthala-purāṇa passage; it prescribes a Śaiva vrata (ascetic discipline) as preparation for purity and steadiness in Śiva-upāsanā.
Significance: General Śaiva sādhana instruction: cultivating vairāgya and śuddhi to become fit for liṅga-pūjā and mantra-japa.
FAQs
It teaches a Shaiva vrata of simplification and self-restraint—reducing bodily indulgence (simple bedding and clothing) and stabilizing brahmacarya—so the aspirant becomes fit for Shiva-bhakti and inner purity leading toward liberation.
By prescribing ash (bhasma) and disciplined living, it aligns the devotee with Shiva’s ascetic ideal often symbolized in Linga worship—purity, detachment, and steadiness—supporting focused pūjā, japa, and contemplation of Saguna Shiva.
Practice a vrata marked by brahmacarya and austerity, and include reverent use of bhasma (as a Shaiva marker like tripuṇḍra) alongside steady japa/meditation—especially suitable during observances such as Mahāśivarātri.