Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
by Arpita Chakraborty | 2013 | 33,902 words
This page relates ‘Bhasma Dharana—A daily rite’ 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.
4. Bhasma Dhāraṇa—A daily rite
This is the daily rite of persons in pursuit of Brahman Brahmacārins, Gṛhasthas, Vānaprasthas and Sannyāsins. If this is overlooked even once, he should stand in water upto the neck, repeating Gāyatri 108 times, and fast the whole day. If a Sannyāsin does not wear Bhasma, even a single day, he should fast during the whole day and do 12000 Praṇava Japa, for being purified once again.
Otherwise, the Lord will throw these sanyāsins to dogs and wolves.
[...] Bhasmajābāla Upaniṣad up.I.10
In case this kind of Bhasma is not available, any other Bhasma that may be at hand should be used with the prescribed Mantras. This kind of practice shall destroy any kind of sin that may be committed by man.[1]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Ibid I 9-10.