Shiva Purana — Vidyesvara Samhita, 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
音节“U”是南方圣火（达克希那火）；亦为虚空原理（ākāśa）与《夜柔吠陀》。它又是正午的苏摩压榨祭（madhyandina-savana），并在内在安住为意愿之力（icchā-śakti）。
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.