Shiva Purana — Vidyesvara Samhita, Shloka 53
भस्म-प्रकार-त्रिपुण्ड्र-धारण-विधिः
Types of Bhasma and the Method of Wearing Tripuṇḍra
ब्रह्मचारी गृहस्थो वा वानप्रस्थोथ वा यतिः । ब्रह्मक्षत्त्राश्च विट्शूद्रा स्तथान्ये पतिताधमाः
brahmacārī gṛhastho vā vānaprasthotha vā yatiḥ | brahmakṣattrāśca viṭśūdrā stathānye patitādhamāḥ
无论是梵行学生（brahmacārin）、居家者、林居者（vānaprastha）或出离者（yati）；无论属婆罗门与刹帝利，或吠舍与首陀罗——乃至被称为堕落卑下之人——皆在其内，皆可凭奉爱（bhakti）转心归向主湿婆（Śiva）。
Sūta Gosvāmi (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Significance: Universal eligibility: all āśramas and varṇas (and even the socially ‘fallen’) can orient to Śiva through bhakti and purificatory marks—an inclusivist soteriology centered on Śiva’s grace.
FAQs
It declares the universality of Śiva-bhakti: regardless of āśrama (life-stage), varṇa (social order), or even past lapses, one can turn to Pati (Śiva) and become fit for upliftment through devotion and grace.
By stating broad eligibility, the verse supports accessible Saguna worship—especially Liṅga-pūjā—as a compassionate means through which any seeker may approach Śiva and receive purifying grace leading toward liberation.
The practical takeaway is to adopt Śiva-upāsanā without hesitation—regular japa of the Pañcākṣarī ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya"), along with simple Liṅga-pūjā (water/leaf offerings) and a disciplined, repentant devotional attitude.