Om Namaha Shivya
जीव शिवाचा निश्चयो
On the occasion of Mahashivratri let's understand the significance of Tripundra. A symbol you can see on god Shiva's forehead some might think it's a symbol just a sign of culture or identification. But if you observe and learn more it is beyond that, The "Tri" in the word Tripundra signifies the Triguna – Satva, Raja and Tama; Triloka – Bhuhu, Bhuvaha, Suvaha; Tritapa – Bbhoutika, Daivika, Adhyatmika.
Tripundra is also called Bhasma or Vibhuti. Tripundra also signifies Prana or life force and the three responsibilities performed by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva respectively. Brahma represents Creation, Vishnu denotes Sustenance, and Shiva connotes Destruction.
Thus Tripundra symbolizes the Holy Trinity of Hindu Gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
The first line is equated to Garhapatya (the sacred fire in a household kitchen), the A syllable of Om, the Rajas guna, the earth, the external Atman, Kriyā – the power of action, the Rigveda, the morning extraction of Soma, and Maheshvara.
The second streak of ash is a reminder of Dakshinagni (the holy fire lighted in the South for ancestors), the sound U of Om, Sattva guna, the atmosphere, the inner Atman, Iccha – the power of will, the Yajurveda, midday Soma extraction, and Sadasiva
The third streak is the Ahavaniya (the fire used for Homa), the M syllable in Om, the Tamas guna, Svarga – heaven, the Paramatman – the highest Atman (Brahman), the power of perception, the Samaveda, Soma extraction at dusk, and Shiva
The word Bhasma means calcined ash. Those who wear Tripundra on their forehead, often recite the mantras of the Lord while remembering its spiritual meaning and now you know it is not just a sign of culture or identification.
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