||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 43 – Rudra Samhitha/Shrishti Kanda – 1

Vishwothbhava Sthithi Layadhishu Hethumekam Gauripathim Vidhitha Thaththvam AnanthaKeerthim| Mayashrayam Vigathamayam Achinthyaroopam | Bodhasvaroopam Amalam Hi Shivam Namami || Vandhe Shivam Tham  Prakither Anadhim Prashanthamekam Purushoththamam Hi | Swamayaya Krithsnamidham Hi Shrishta  Namovadhanthar Bahirasthitho Ya: ||

Lord Vishnu eulogizes “ I shall prostrate before the supreme Lord Shiva who is Gauripathi, he is the essence of creation, preservation, and destruction of the Universe and its living beings, he symbolizes greatest philosophies, he is Lord Maya, he is shelter place of Maya, he is the dearest consort of Devi Gauri, he is unblemished and pure, he is the essence of wisdom and knowledge.  I shall prostrate before supreme Lord who is Purushoththama, he is beyond Prakrithi, resides as a soul in living beings, he is all-pervasive, he is the essence of living and non-living things, he symbolizes serenity, he has created the Universe with the influence of Maya, and he is omnipresent.  I shall prostrate before the supreme Lord who resides as soul/subtle form, in living beings, he creates Universe and wanders all over the Universe, like the Earth rotates on its own axis.”

Jagatha: Pitharam Shambhush Jagatho Matharam ShivAm | Thath Puthrashcha Ganadheesham Na  Thvaithdhairnnyamahe||

Maharishi Vyasa speaks “ I shall offer humble salutation to the supreme Lord Shambhu who is the father of the Universe, and I shall offer humble salutation to the Goddess ShivA who is the Mother of the Universe, I shall offer humble salutation to Lord Ganesha who is Lord Ganas as well. I shall offer humble salutation to the supreme Lord and begins to recite Rudrasamhita.”

Once, the Sages and Rishis assembled in Naimisharanya enquired the Sutha Pauranika with great devotion “Oh! Sutha, Oh! Mahabhaga, we have listened to that marvelous legend from Sadhya Sadhana Khanda in Vindhyeshwara Samhitha, it was a great legend capable to attract the mind of noble souls, Oh! Sutha, live a joyous life and live long because you are narrating the highly meritorious legends of Lord Shankara. We are not satisfied with the nectar-like wisdom earned from you, Oh! Sinless one, we would like to hear more from you. Oh! Sarvajja, beloved of Maharishi Vedavyasa, you have achieved the highest of the piousness, you are the knower of past, present, and future. You are a sincere disciple of Maharishi Vedavyasa, thus you have achieved the greatest of the knowledge and serenity, with the perpetual grace of your preceptor. Oh! Learned one, kindly narrates the glorious form of Lord Shiva and his various legends.  Lord Shiva is absolute Bhrmam/Nirguna Bhramam, when did he achieve the Sagunaroopa? We are not aware of the true form of supreme Lord Shiva. Kindly narrate the initiation of supreme Lord Shiva who is Nirguna Bhramam, at the beginning of the Universe, and how did the creation begin? How did the supreme Lord Shiva perform deluge? How could the devotees please that supreme Lord Shiva who is a compassionate one? Kindly describe what would the devotees achieve once the supreme Lord Shiva gets highly pleased with their devotion. Kindly narrate everything in detail to us. We have heard that the supreme Lord Shiva gets highly pleased easily, he is a compassionate one, could not bear the hardships of his devotees.  The Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and Mahesha were created from the limb of Lord Shiva, Oh! Sutha, kindly narrate the incarnations of Lord Shiva and various legends of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Kindly tell us the birth of Goddess Uma and her wedding with the supreme Lord Shiva. Oh! Sinless one kindly narrates their household living and various sports as well.”

Maharishi Vyasa speaks “ Maharishi Sutha Pauranika engaged in meditation upon supreme Lord Shiva for a while, after listening to the series of queries of Shuka Shaunakadhis.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Sages, you have raised a brilliant question, you are too graceful and well versed in scriptures, especially highly devoted to supreme Lord Shiva. Oh! Mune, listening to the glorious myths of supreme Lord Shiva would purify three people, 1)Vaktha/speaker 2) Pricchakam/questions raised by the Sages, 3) Shrotha/listeners. Oh! Brahmana, except the people who take pleasure in killing and eating animals, everyone takes immense delight in listening to his legends.  The legends of the supreme Lord Shiva should be recited without lust, desire, or greed, it is the best cure for the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence, and it would please the ears of listeners as well. Oh! Twice-born, I shall narrate all those legends and various sports of supreme Lord Shiva according to my knowledge, kindly listen to them.  Oh! Mune, as you have raised the question, Lord Hari had the same was narrated by Lord Shiva, later Maharishi Narada learned it from Lord Bhrama who is a staunch devotee of the supreme Lord Shiva was highly pleased with it and described the glorious legends to Maharishi Narada.”

Maharishi Vedavyasa speaks “listening to the speeches of Sutha Pauranika, the Sages assembled were extremely eager to know more about the legends of supreme Lord Shiva and the conversation took place between the deities.”

Shaunakadhis speaks “ Oh! Sutha, Oh! Mahabhaga, we are curious to learn the legends of supreme Lord Mahadeva, kindly narrate the conversation took place between Lord Bhrama and Narada in detail, when was it taken place? And what are the sports of supreme Lord Shiva was discussed? We are curious to know about them all. Kindly enlighten us.”

Sutha Pauranika was extremely pleased to listen to the curiousness of Shaunakadhis, and their devotion to supreme Lord Shiva and he began to narrate them all.

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 43 –Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 25 -3

 The types of Rudraksha and its benefits

Lord Mahadeva speaks “ Oh! Devi, There are different types of Rudraksha, Oh! Parvathi, listen to them carefully; it would bestow pleasure and devotion. The Ekavakthra/one-faced Rudraksha symbolizes Lord Rudra, whoever adorns this would attain worldly pleasures and salvation, mere witnessing this would remove the grave sin of Bhramahathya, the worshiper would achieve the permanent presence Goddess Mahalakshmi in their homes, it would remove all the obstacles and get all the desires fulfilled. The Dhvivakthra/two-faced Rudraksha symbolizes Devadevesha, who would fulfill all the desires of the worshiper, it removes the grave sin of Bhramahathya.  The Thrivakthra/three-faced Rudraksha provides wisdom and knowledge to the worshiper. The Chathurvakthra/four-faced Rudraksha symbolizes Lord Bhrama, it removes the sin of Bhramahathya and provides Chathurvargaphalapradha./Dharma, Arththa, Kama, and Moksha. The Panchavakthra/five-faced Rudraksha symbolizes the supreme Lord Kalagni Rudra, worship or adorns this Rudra provides Sarvakama/fulfills all the desires and Sarvamukthi /liberation from repeated births as well, it removes sins from illicit relationships and eating meat. The Shadvakthra/six-faced Rudraksha symbolizes Karthikeya, it should be adorned on the right arm, and it removes various sins and Bhramahathya. Oh! Maheshani, the Sapthavakthra/seven-faced Rudraksha is addressed as Ananga, Oh! Deveshi, the worship or adorns this Rudraksha would make the pauper into wealthiest.  The Ashtavakthra/eight-faced Rudraksha is known as Vasumoorthi Bhairav, would protect the person who adores it, the worshiper would attain a long life, and becomes Shiva afterlife.  Oh! Maheshwari, the  Navavakthra/nine-faced Rudraksha is known as Bhairava or the great Sage Kapila, it  symbolizes Navadurga, whoever adorns it on the left arm with intense devotion and faith would attain the honor like Sarveshwara. Oh! Maheshani, the Dhashavakthra/ten-faced Rudraksha symbolizes Lord Janardhana, Oh! Deveshi, whoever adorns this Rudraksha would attain all that desired in their lives.  Oh! Parameshwari, whoever adorns the Ekadashamukha/eleven-faced Rudraksha would resemble Rudra and attain victory in all endeavors. The Dhvadhashamukha/twelve-faced Rudraksha would provide brilliance of twelve Adithyas to the person who adorned it. The Thrayodhashamukha/thirteen-faced Rudraksha would bring permanent wealth to the worshiper and all their desires would get fulfilled.   The Chathurdhashamukha/ fourteen-faced Rudraksha symbolizes Lord Paramashiva, whoever adorns it with intense faith and devotion would get rid of all the sins. Oh! Devi, Oh! Parvathi, I shall describe the sacred syllables recited to offer salutations to the respective Rudraksha, listen to them carefully.”

Lord Mahadeva continues “ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to single-faced Rudraksha is  ‘Om Hrim Nama:’, The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to two-faced Rudraksha is ‘ Om Nama;” The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to three-faced Rudraksha is  ‘Om Klim Nama:’, The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to four-faced Rudraksha is  ‘Om Hrim Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to five-faced Rudraksha is  ‘Om Hrim Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to six-faced Rudraksha is  ‘Om Hrim Hum Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to seven-faced Rudraksha is  ‘Om Hrim Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to eight-faced Rudraksha is ‘Om Hrim Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to nine-faced Rudraksha is ‘Om Hum Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to ten-faced Rudraksha is ‘Om Hrim Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to eleven-faced Rudraksha is ‘Om Hrim Hum Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to twelve-faced Rudraksha is ‘Om Ksaum Raum Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to thirteen-faced Rudraksha is ‘Om Hrim Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to fourteen-faced Rudraksha is ‘Om Nama:’

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Devi, whoever wants to get rid of lethargy, laziness, and achieve all that desired should wear Rudraksha with intense devotion and faith.  Whoever adorns Rudraksha without offering salutation to it would live in hell for a period of one Kalpa, whoever adorn in Rudraksha would get freed from the troubles of Dakini, Shakini, Bhootha, Pretha, Pishacha. Oh! Parvathi, whoever adorn in Rudraksha would make all the deities pleased, Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Surya, and all the deities and female deities get highly pleased with it. Oh! Maheshwari, whoever adorn in Rudraksha would attain intense devotion and faith, it would enhance the qualities of righteousness.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Shaunakadhis, In this way, Lord Mahadeva who is Paramathma, Parambhramam, described the splendor of Rudraksha and holy ashes that bestow pleasure and salvation to Goddess Girija.  Whoever adorns Rudraksha and holy ashes are beloved to Lord Shiva, wearing the Rudraksha, and Bhasma, the worshiper would attain all that desired and liberation from repeated births. Whoever adorns Rudraksha, holy ashes and recites Panchaksharamanthra is the perfect Shivabhaktha, considered as flawless.  The worship of Lord Mahadeva without smearing sacred ashes, or wearing Rudraksha or reciting Panchakshara will not provide its fruitful results. Oh! Mune, I have described the splendor of Bhasma, Rudraksha and Panchakshara in detail, whoever reads or listens to it would get all their desires fulfilled, enjoys all the worldly pleasures, with children and grandchildren, finally attains salvation from repeated births, remains dearer to Lord Mahadeva. Oh! Munishwara, I have narrated the glorious lessons of Vindyeshwara Samhitha to you, at the command of supreme Lord Mahadeva which bestow worldly pleasures and liberation from repeated births.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 42 –Vindhyeshwara Samhitha –25 - 2

Significance of Rudraksha

Rudrakshamekam Shirasa Bhibhrathi Thatha Thripundram Cha  Lalatamadhye | Panchaksharam Ye Hi Japanthi Manthram Poojya  Bhavadhbhi: Khalu They Hi Sadhava: ||

Varnni Vani Grihapathirniyamena Dhdhadhyadhethdhrahasya Paramo Na Hi Jathu Thishteth | Rudrakshadharanam Idham Sukrithaishcha Lakshyam Thyakthath Vedamedhath Akhilan Narakan Prayanthi ||

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Devi, the intellectuals adore Rudraksha on forearms after the recitation of Aghora-Beeja manthras, and fifteen beads of Rudraksha around the stomach after the recitation of Vamadeva Manthra, and the adoration of three, five or seven Rudraksha on the rest of the limbs after the recitation of Sadhyojatha Manthra or Mulamanthra. The person who is adorned in Rudraksha should not consume Madhyam/intoxicating drinks, Mamsam/meat, Lashunam/garlic, Palandum/onion,  shigru/potherb, shleshma/gluey type of meal, Vidavaraham/pork etc. Oh! Parvathi, Oh! Uma, a twice-born should wear white colored Rudraksha, the Kshatriya should wear red-colored Rudraksha, a Vaishya should wear yellow-colored Rudraksha, and Shudras should wear the black-colored Rudraksha as prescribed in the Veda. Oh! Devi, Any Varnnasharami can adore Rudraksha, twice-born, householder, Vanashrami and ascetics of the highest order can adore the Rudraksha after reciting Omkara.  It is highly propitious and provides an abundance of merits to the worshiper, and protect them shoveling into hell.  The defective Rudrakshas such as eaten by worms, broken, large-sized ones, or lighter ones, without holes, should not be adorned, it brings ill fortune to the worshiper, and it should not be the size of grains.  Oh! Uma, Rudraksha symbolizes Rudra, therefore it should be adorned with great reverence and devotion. The continuous adoration of Rudraksha protects the devotee from the sins committed day and night.  The devotees who have adorned Rudraksha, the lock of hair, adorned in Thripundra on their forehead will not visit the abode of Lord Yama. The devotees who have adorned Rudraksha around the head, Thripundra on the forehead, and constantly recites the Panchakshara Manthra would remain highly honorable. Oh! Devi,  Lord Yama instructed his emissaries not to approach the devotees who are adorned in Rudraksha, Thripundra, and recites Panchaksharamanthra, he strictly ordered them not to bring my devotees to the abode of Lord Yama.  Oh! Mahadevi, Oh! Parvathi, The adoration of Rudraksha removes all kinds of sins of the devotee, therefore whoever adorned in Rudraksha is most-beloved to me. The devotee who is adorned in Rudraksha on his hands, arms, and heads remains unconquerable, wanders like Rudraroopi on Earth, he remains most venerable by the deities and demons, and worships him as Lord Shiva who is the destroyer of sins.  Oh! Devi, if an ignorant or dull wears Rudraksha would attain wisdom, relieved from all the sins, and remains honorable. The performance of recitation of hymns with the rosary beads would yield multiple meritorious rewards. The devotee who is adorned in Rudraksha will not have the fear of death or untimely death. The devotee who is adorned in Rudraksha, decorated with Thripundra on the forehead, recites Mrithyunjjayamanthra, the very sight of this devotee would provide the meritorious reward of witnessing supreme Lord Shiva accompanied by Ganas. Oh! Priye, a person who conducts worship of Panchadevatha, or all the deities, can recite the hymns using the beads of Rudraksha. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu and all the deities adore Rudraksha, hence it is necessary to adore Rudraksha by the devotee of mine.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 41 –Vindhyeshwara Samhitha –25 -  1

Shiva Priyathamo Jjyeyo Rudraksha: Paramapavana: | Dharshanath Sparshanath Japyath Sarvapapahara: Smritha: ||Shruyatham  Thu Maheshani Rudraksha Mahima Shive | Kathayami Thava Preethya Bhakthanam Hithakamyaya ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakarishe, Oh! Mahaprajja, Oh! Shivaroopa, Oh! Mahamathe, I shall describe the splendor of Rudraksha, listen to me carefully.  Rudraksha is beloved of Lord Maheshwara, it is highly propitious to see, touch, or meditate with this, would purify all the sins of the worshiper. Previously, the supreme Lord Shiva narrated the splendor of Rudraksha to supreme Goddess Uma, for the welfare of the Universe.”

Bhagavan Shiva speaks “Oh! Maheshani, Oh! Shive, I shall narrate the glories of Rudhrakshamahima to you, for the welfare of my passionate devotees. Oh! Maheshani, earlier I have undertaken extreme penance/Tapas for thousands of years to attain serenity of the mind. Oh! Parameshani, I am the causes of the Universe and its living beings, I am independent and the protector of the Jeeva and I perform various amusements for the welfare of the Universe. I have opened my eyes after thousands of years of penance, the drops of water were fallen my half-opened eyes caused to sprout the trees of Rudraksha.  It was created for the welfare of the devotees, and these trees were shared among the four Varnas and devotees of Lord Vishnu. Thus, the trees of Rudraksha came into existence in the Gauda region, Mathura, Ayodhya, Kashi, and Malayachala, which are a favorite of mine that could destroy all the sins of the worshiper.  The Rudraksha is the purifier of souls; it can be used for all the people who belong to four Varnas. The intellectuals have the rich knowledge of the Rudraksha, it has white, red, yellow, and black in color, and people of different Varnas uses according to the instructions given in the scripture. The Rudraksha can be adorned on the neck either to fulfill the worldly pleasure or to please the supreme Lord Rudra and Goddess Parvathi, in any case, it provides Bhukthi as well as Mukthi to the worshiper. The Rudraksha adorned the size of Indian Gooseberry/Dhathriphal is considered as the best, and the size of Badriphal/berry is considered as a medium, it removes all the sins of the worshiper, and fulfills all the desires of the worshiper. Oh! Parameshwari, mere witnessing the Rudraksha would provide an abundance of piousness. Oh! Devi, the Rudraksha which has the nature of firm and thorn-like outer appearance worn on the neck provides Bhukthi and Mukthi to the worshiper.  The defective Rudrakshas are eaten by worms, cracks on the surface, uneven shapes are not promising, natural ones are most rewarding. All the sins gets removed by wearing Rudraksha around the neck.  A person who wore eleven hundred Rudraksha turns himself as Swayam Rudra. The person who is adorned in eleven hundred Rudraksha, the meritorious rewards earned cannot be described in hundreds of years, five hundred and fifty Rudraksha as adorned as a crown with intense devotion would provide highly meritorious rewards, Rudraksha adorned as Yajjopaveetha, three strings of sacred thread holds three hundred sixty Rudrakshas each, Oh! Maheshwari, twelve Rudrakshas can adorn around the tuft/Shikha, hundred Rudrakshas around the neck, eleven Rudrakshas on arms, and hands.  A devotee of Lord Shiva should wear three beads of Rudraksha in Yajjopaveetha, and five beads on the Katisuthra/waist. Oh! Parameshwari, whoever adores the number of Rudraksha mentioned above with intense devotion and faith would become adorable like me, remains venerable. Oh! Devi, the person who is adorned in Rudrkahsa and conducts meditation, mere witnessing this person would elevate the Jeevas. I have described the method of adoration of eleven hundreds of Rudraksha to you; I shall narrate a simple method in the absence of the same. Oh! Devi, The person who adorned in single Rudraksha on the tuft, thirty beads of Rudraksha around the forehead, fifty beads of Rudraksha around the neck, sixteen beads of Rudraksha on each arms, twelve beads of Rudraksha on each wrist, five hundred Rudraksha on the chest, and hundred and sixty beads of Rudraksha as Yajjopaveetha, is highly revered by all the deities, becomes adorable like Rudra. Oh! Devi, The person who is adorn in single Rudraksha on the tuft, forty Rudraksha around the forehead, thirty-two Rudraksha around neck, hundred and eight as garland around neck, adorned in Rudraksha in both the ears, six Rudraksha around each arms, sixteen or twelve Rudrakshas on both the hands, considered as a supreme devotee of Lord Rudra, and remains highly venerable. The adoration of Rudraksha is performed with the recitation of Eshana Manthra,  Thathpurusha, and Aghoramanthras.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 40 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 24 -3

Jala Snanam Malathyage  Bhamasnanam Sadha Suchi:|| Manthrasnane Hareth Papam Gnanasnane Param Padham||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunaka, Jalasnanam/bathing with water remove the impurities of the body, Bhasmasnana/bathing with the sacred ashes keep the Jeeva pure always, Manthrasnanam/recitation of the sacred chants would remove all the sins of the worshiper, Gnanasnana/learning scriptures and religious texts would bring supreme abode.  Bhasma Snanam/ bathing with the sacred ashes provide all those meritorious rewards of the holy dip in all the Theerthas and visiting sacred shrines, it provides the piousness of holy dip in the sacred Ganga on a regular basis.  The person who is smeared in sacred ashes is considered as Lord Shiva, and the sacred ashes have the capabilities to purify the three worlds. The twice-born who performs an abundance of charities, or meditation or recitation of chants without smearing sacred ashes will not yield any piousness. The Vanaprastha, unmarried girls, the person who has not attained Dheeksha should have a bath before noon and smear the sacred ashes on daily basis to achieve intense devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Shiva, ultimately attain liberation. The person who is not adorned in Rudraksha or sacred ashes as Tripundra on his/her body would be considered as worthless. Oh! Mune, I have narrated the Bhasma Mahathmyam in detail, the meritorious reward of smearing Thripundra, it was not easily understandable for the ordinary people so it was remained as confidential. Oh! Munipungava, the Thripundra is three horizontal lines drawn on the forehead, and the body parts, using the ring finger, middle finger and the index finger, provides all the pleasures on the Earth and liberation from repeated births as well. The three lines drawn with the fingers represent nine deities, and the three lines represent Akara, Ukara, and Makara respectively.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 39 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 24 -2

Bhramana: Kshathriya Vaishya: Shudrashchapi Cha Shankara: | Sthreeyoatha Vidhava Bala: Praptha: Pakhandikasthatha|| Bhramachari Grihi Vanya: Sanyasi Va Vrathi Thatha | Narya Bhasma Thripundrangaka Muktha Yevana  Samshaya: ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Shaunaka,  listen to me carefully, Bhramanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishya, Sudhras, females, widows, children, Pankhandi, Brahmachari, Grihasthashrami, Vanashrami, Sanyasi, Vrathi, etc. who are smeared in sacred ashes get liberated with the grace of supreme Lord Mahadeva like the fire touched knowingly or unknowingly will have the same effect, the sacred ash smeared on the body of a person gets purified instantly.  Oh! Munisaththama, the food received as alms, or consumed a meal from the house of a Bhramachari, or Grihasthashrami, or Vanaprastha who does not apply sacred ashes or wear Rudraksha is considered as a grave sin, it would push the receiver into hell.  In case, if the twice-born happened to take a meal from those houses, should recite the Gayathri Manthra and get themselves purified, ascetics recites Omkara Manthra and gets themselves purified. Whoever refuses to adore Thripundra, are disrespecting Lord Shiva, whoever adorns the Thripundra is carrying the supreme Lord Mahadeva with them.  The person without a Thripundra and a village without the shrine of Lord Shiva should be discarded forever. The person who refuses to smear ashes brings disgrace to him/her,   and disgrace to their wisdom as well.  The supreme Lord Mahadeva is Jagath Adharabhootham who is the cause of the Universe and its living beings, disrespecting Lord Shiva would push the person to hell and causes to take several births as animals, even after all these they will remain ignorant who cannot understand the disparities between sun and moon, even conversing with them would bring sins.  Oh! Mune, there is no atonement available to the sins for the people who adorn Thripundra but no belief or faith in Lord Mahadeva. Oh! Mune, people who adorn in Urdhvapundra, conch,  and Chakra, should not engage in Tantric practices of Shivagnana. The Tantric practices should be carried out after smearing the sacred ashes followed the prescribed rules in the Jabala Upanishad. The usage of sandalwood paste and sacred ashes are perfectly right, an intelligent one adores Tripundra. The Bhramin/twice-born, chaste women, widows can apply Tripundra on their foreheads, people of the all the Varna can apply Tripundra, it removes sins and provides Moksha. The smearing of ashes as Tripundra removes even the grave sins.  The Brahmachari, householders/Grihashrami, Vanaprastha, Yathi, twice-born, Sages, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, and all classes of people can wear Tripundra, to get rid of their sins. The devotees of Lord Mahadeva who smear ashes all over the body would get relieved from the grave sins like killing of women, Go/cows, warriors, horses, etc. Oh! Mune, The smearing of sacred ashes all over the body would remove sins like stealing the wealth of others, illicit relationships, abduction or possession of others land or garden, etc. creating hurdles or troubles to others, set fire to others homes, stealing of cow, buffalo, gold, silver, sesames, blankets, clothes, etc. The smearing of sacred ashes as Tripundra would remove the sins of acceptance of meal from the degraded people, it would remove the sins of living in the company of degraded people, living with the whore, Chandala, fishermen or women, dancers, prostitutes, young maiden, married women, or widow, people who engage in speaking ill of others, false witnesses, like these numerous sins would get destroyed with the smearing of sacred ashes all over the body.  Oh! Mahamune, there is no atonement for the sin of stealing the wealth of Lord Mahadeva or the devotees of Lord Mahadeva. The person who is adorned in Rudraksha and smeared in Tripundra would be considered as pure and best even though he was born as Chandala.  The smearing of sacred ashes all over the body would give the piousness of holy dip in all the Theerthas. Oh! Mune, there are several sacred hymns like Panchakshara, and Mahamanthras which could provide liberation to the worshiper. The recitation of glorious chants and Mahamanthras provides all the earthly comforts, smearing the sacred ashes as Tripundra would redeem thousands of ancestors and successors as well.  The smearing of sacred ashes as Tripundra provides mental as well as physical health, long life, a comfortable life, and finally, the Jeeva leaves the mortal coil in utmost peace. After the death the Jeeva would attain the marvelous body and heavenly pleasures, lives in the comforts of Vidhyadhara, Gandharvas, Lord indra, and Lokapalas, he enjoys the status of Prajapathi and Bhrama, and lives in the association of deities. The Jeeva attain the pleasures of Vishnu Loka, and Shivaloka ultimately attains Shivasayujya.  Oh! Mahamune, the scriptures describe commendable virtues of the application of sacred ashes all over the body. The twice-born who refuses to adore sacred ashes, will not consider as a Bhramin, after death, they will live in the hell until the completion of the age of Lord Bhrama.  The person who adores the sacred ashes as Thripundra during the Shradhdha, Yajjna, Homa, Vaishvadeva, Surarchana, would consider as highly meritorious, win over the accidental or untimely death.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 38 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 24-1

Manasthokena  Manthrena Manthritham Bhasma Dharayeth | Bhramana: Kshathriyashchaiva Proktheshvangeshu Bhakthiman || Vaishya Thraimbakenaiva  Shudhra: Panchaksharena Thu| Anyasam Vidhava Sthreenam Vidhi: Prokthashcha Shudravath||

SuthaPauranika speaks “Oh! Ascetics, listen to me carefully, there are two types of sacred ashes/Bhasma, one is Mahabhasmam and another one is SvalpaSanjjakam.  The Mahabhasmam is the collection of all the ashes, known as Shrautha, Smartha, and Laukika likewise Svalpasanjjakam also has three types of Bhasma. The Shrautha and Smartha Bhasma is used by twice-born, Laukika Bhasma used by other Varnas. The Rishis and sages advised the twice-born to wear Bhasma with the recitation of  VedaManthra, rest of the Varnas can apply the Bhasma without reciting Manthras. Oh! Mahamune, the ashes are prepared by burning the cow-dung, it is called Agneya Bhasma, which is used for Thripundra. The ashes collected from the fire sacrifices or Yagna performed by the Agnihotri's are used for Thripundra. The sacred hymns/mantras from the Jabala Upanishad is recited, while mixing water in the ashes and applying the same as Thripundra. The illustrious Sage Jabala explained the method of smearing ashes on the body and application of Thripundra reciting hymns or without it.  The Veda strongly recommends a Moksharththi should adore Thripundra or Urdhdhvapundra, and it is highly praised by Goddess Uma and Goddess Lakshmi as well. The application of Thripundra is recommended for all the Varnas, the people who do not adore Thripundra or smear Bhasma on their body are considered as an outcast. The person who has not smeared the ashes with sincere devotion cannot elevate his/her soul even after several crores of births; they remain ignorant not knowing the belief and faith of Lord Shiva for several cores of births.  The scriptures say that the one who is not smeared in ashes would always be surrounded by the sins, any spiritual or religious deed performed without applying Thripundra will not bestow its results, instead, it would bring opposite results. Oh! Mune, smearing the ashes with intense faith and devotion would remove sin and evil eyes. The smearing of Shivagni Janitha Bhasma would remove all the sins, whoever smeared in Thripundra thrice a day with the white ashes, would get relieved from all the sins and remains blissful always.  The person who is smeared in white ashes on the forehead would remain in the abode of Lord with the Ganas, after his death. The recitation of Shadakshramanthra is performed after the bath.  Anyone can apply ashes on their body, even the wicked, degraded, sinful, dull, people living in a foreign land, are permissible to smear ashes as Thripundra, and after smearing ashes recitation can be conducted, it is considered that as all the Threethas/sacred places and Veda resides in their bodies. The person who is adorned in Thripundra with intense devotion and faith would become honorable by human, Dhanavas, and deities, all his/her sins would get destroyed instantly with the application of Thripundra.  All the sacred rivers dwell in the body of the person who is adorned in Thripundra, the devotee attains highest of the spiritual knowledge and the eternal presence of supreme Lord Shiva as well.  Oh! Munisaththama, I shall describe them briefly, a learned person should adore Thripundra, conduct worship of Linga and recite Kshadakshara.  The glory of smearing sacred ashes on the body is indescribable even to Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu, Lord Rudra and illustrious Sages.  Oh! Mune, if a person forced to discontinue the spiritual and religious rites, later adores Thripundra would get relieved from all those sins of not performing the rites.  The person who performs various religious and spiritual rites without smearing ashes on their forehead cannot attain redemption in crores of their births. A twice-born adorned in Thripundra is considered as learned and performer of all the religious rites.  Whoever punishes or disgraces a person who is smeared in Thripundra would be born as Chandala. A Bhraman should smear the ashes on the forehead followed with the recitation of Manasthoka, Vaishya with the recitation of Thrayambaka, and  Shudra, widow, and females should adore the sacred ashes with the recitation of ‘Panchakshara’. According to Manusmrithi, a house-holder/Grihastha is  allowed to recite Panchabhrama after applying the sacred ashes, a Bhramachari is allowed to recite ‘Panchakshara’ while applying sacred ashes, a Vanaprastha applies  sacred ashes after reciting Aghora Manthra, Yathis/ascetic apply sacred ashes after reciting ‘Omkara’/Pranava.  The one who has grown beyond traditions of Varna and Ashrama should apply ashes with the utterance of ‘Shivoham’/I am Shiva, a Shivayogi applies the sacred ashes with the utterance of Eshana Manthra. Oh! Asectics, I have described the methods of smearing sacred ashes for all the Varnas, and some Jeevas smears ashes at the command of the supreme Lord Shiva.  The Yogis smearing sacred ashes all over the body are considered as bearing Shivalinga equal to those dust particles of the ashes on their body.”