[Advaita-l] Stories from the Shiva Purana - 18 (The Importance of Rudraksha and Tripundra/Vibhuti)

[S Jayanarayanan]

(Continued from the previous post. Gleaned from:
https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/shiva-purana-english/d/doc225962.html
https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/shiva-purana-english/d/doc225963.html
Section 1, Chapters 23-24)
 
 
Those who adore Shiva are blessed and content. Their birth is fruitful and their family is elevated. It is certain that the benefit of making pilgrimages
to holy centres accrues to one who lovingly looks at His holy face. Shiva’s name, the ashes and the Rudraksha beads — the three are very holy and are on a
par with Triveni (the confluence of the three holy rivers). As said by Brahma, Shiva’s name is on a par with Ganga, the ash is equal to Yamuna and Rudraksha
destroys all sins (and is equal to Sarasvati).
 
Sages have said that the twice-born should apply the holy ashes repeating mantras. The others can simply apply without any mantra. When dry cow-dung is
reduced to ashes it is called Agneya (fiery). For the sake of Tripundra this ash can be used. The ashes resulting from Agnihotra and other sacrificial rites
shall be used for the Tripundra by men seeking intellect.
 
People of all varnas and Ashramas shall put on Tripundra on the forehead or dust their bodies with the mantras mentioned in the Jabala-Upanishad or if
no mantra is used, they shall do the same with reverence. Dusting with the holy ashes and smearing the Tripundra in horizontal parallel lines shall not be
abandoned by those who seek salvation. Shruti lays down that they shall not get negligent. Shiva, Vishnu, Uma, Lakshmi, Goddess of speech and other gods
and goddesses, Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and persons of mixed castes and hill tribes have observed Tripundra and dusting always.
 
No one shall repeat the six-syllabled Mantra without applying ashes on the body. After making the Tripundra with the ashes he shall perform the Japa.
Even a sinful person is worthy of being honoured by Devas and Asuras if he has Tripundra on his forehead. What then of a faithful man endowed with a pure soul?
With great devotion, Brahmins and Kshatriyas shall apply the holy ashes over such parts of the body as are prescribed by the rule repeating the mantra “Ma nastoke” etc.
A Vaishya shall apply the ashes repeating the Tryambaka mantra and a Shudra with the five-syllabled mantra. Widows and other women shall do like the Shudras.
A house-holder shall repeat the Pancabrahma mantra etc. and a Brahmacharin shall repeat the Tryambaka-mantra at the time. Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras,
people of mixed castes, women, widows, girls, heretics, a brahmacharin, a householder, a forest-dweller, an ascetic, performer of sacred rites and women who have
Tripundra marks are undoubtedly liberated souls.
 
No man shall drink or eat even a bit without applying Bhasma or wearing Rudraksha. The Tripundra shall be applied upto the forelocks by women. Even a Chandala
who wears Rudraksha over his body and the Tripundra on his forehead, is worthy of respect. He is the most excellent of all castes. If a person does not wear
a bead of Rudraksha which accords many merits, if he is devoid of Tripundra as well, his life becomes futile. Or these five parts are to be used for applying
ashes as mentioned by those who know more about the efficacy of the ashes. They are — forehead, two arms, chest and navel. Hundred and one Rudrakshas shall be
worn round the neck; eleven Rudrakshas shall be worn round each of the arms, elbows and wrists. Devotees of Shiva shall have three Rudrakshas in the sacred thread
and round the hips five Rudrakshas shall be tied.
 
Those who wear Tripundra, the matted hair and the Rudraksha do not go to Yama’s abode. He who regularly listens to the highly auspicious greatness of ash and
Rudraksha with devotion shall attain the fulfilment of all desires. In the next world, he will attain salvation. He will be a great favourite of Shiva.
 
 
(To be Continued)