2. Method of preparing Bhasma

In this context Śiva describes the preparation of Bhasma thus:—“At first the devotee after understanding the influence of the celestials at the prescribed time, should fetch some sacred and pure cow-dung early in the morning, keep it in the leaf of a Brahmaparṇa and then dry it with the Vedic Mantra ‘Tṛyambakam’^[1] etc. (in the sun). Then he should burn that dry cow-dung, placed in a convenient place, with any fire that is available, according to the rules laid down in the Gṛhya Sūtras of his sect, and then pour Āhutis of seasamum and paddy together with ghee, with the Mantra ‘Somāya Svāha’. The number of Āhutis should be 1008, or if possible, 1½ times of this. The instruments for pouring ghee should be made of Brahma parṇa leaf; in that case man does not commit any sin. Then, at the end, the devotee should offer the oblation of Sveṣṭakṛta at the time of Pūrṇa-Āhuti, with the Mantra ‘Tṛyambakam’ etc. With the same Mantra Bali (an offering) should be placed in the eight directions (of the fire). That Bhasma should be sprinkled with water by the Gāyatri Mantra. Then that sacred ash should be placed in a gold, silver, copper or earthen vessel and sprinkled again with the Rudra Mantras. It should then be kept in a clean and decent place.