Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
by Arpita Chakraborty | 2013 | 33,902 words
This page relates ‘Bhasmajabala Upanishad (Introduction)’ of the study on the Shaiva Upanishads in English, comparing them with other texts dealing with the Shiva cult (besides the Agamas and Puranas). The Upaniṣads are ancient philosophical and theological treatises. Out of the 108 Upanishads mentioned in the Muktikopanishad, 15 are classified as Saiva-Upanisads.
1. Bhasmajābāla Upaniṣad (Introduction)
Bhasmajābāla Upaniṣad This Upaniṣad gives the following account for Bhasma[1] and Dhāraṇa. “Once Bhusuṇḍa, a descendant of Jābāli went to the Kailāsa Peak and prostrated before Lord Mahādeva Śiva, who is the form of Oṃkāra and who is beyond the trinity of Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Rudra.
Bhusuṇḍa worshipped Śiva with great devotion and questioned Lord Śiva:
“Lord! Kindly impart to me the essential knowledge of all the Vedas, and austerities connected with Bhasma and Dhāraṇa, because it is an independent means for attaining Liberation. What is the Bhasma made of? Where should it be applied? What are the Mantras to be recited? Who are the persons fitted for this? What are the rules regarding it? Kindly instruct me.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Bhasmajābāla Upaniṣad 1.—Bhasma or Vibhūti (the sacred ash) is extolled in the scriptures.—Since it showers prosperity (bhūti), it is called (Vibhūti) (aisvaryakā ranāt bhūtih). It also means ‘glory’ or excellence. In the Bhagavad Gītā the tenth chapter is called Vibhūti yoga (yoga of glory). Gītā itself declares “whatever is prossessed of excellence, prosperity and strength, know that to be born an aspect of My glory”. Sacred ash is Śiva's own fiery power (rudrāgne-yat param vīryam tad bhasma).