Saivism Q & A 6

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Om Namah Sivaya Nature of Holy Ash How many modes of wearing the holy ash are there? There are two, namely, "uththoolanam" (wholly besmearing, e.g., the forehead) and "tripundaram". What is "tripundaram"? Wearing (the holy ash) as three lines. How should the three-line mode be worn? The lines should not be crooked or broken or touch each other, should not be too wide and should have a space of one inch between them. At what places (on the body) is it proper to wear according to the three-line mode? There are sixteen, namely head, forehead, chest, navel, two knees, two shoulders, two elbows, two wrists, two rib-sides, back and neck. It also happens that the two rib sides are excluded and the two ears are included. It also happens that the elbows and wrists are excluded and then there are only twelve

places. When the holy ash is worn in the three-line mode, is there a rule that the lines should be or particular lengths at particular places? Yes, it should be worn for the length of the ends of the two eyebrows on the forehead, for six inches in length on the chest and the shoulders and for one inch in length at the other places. If these lengths are increased or reduced it is wrong. Can all persons at all times mix holy ash with a little water and wear it? Persons who have obtained

deeksha can mix the holy ash in a little water and wear it at dawn, noon and dusk. At other times they must wear it without mixing it in water. Those who have not obtained deeksha, if they wear the holy ash after 12 noon, should wear it without mixing it in water. What does the wearing of holy ash symbolise? It symbolises the attainment of Sivahood by the removal of the bonds (pasam) by the bonds being burnt by the fire of jnana. --- By Saint Arumuga Navalar Sivaya Namah

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