The devotee should keep a little Bhasma with the decent left hand saying,
‘Vamadevaya’ (this is to Vamadeva) sprinkling with the Mantra ‘Tryambakam’ etc., and cleaning it with the Mantra ‘Suddham suddhena’ etc. Then he should filter it nicely. Then he should apply it from head to foot, with the five Brahma-Mantras. With the first finger, middle finger and ring finger, he should apply the same to the middle of the head saying ‘to the head’ and ‘O Bhasma! Thou hast come from Agni!’
Places where Bhasma is to be applied Mantra to be used
1. Forehead -Tryambakam etc.
2. Neck -Nilagrivaya etc.
3. Right side of neck -Tryayusham etc.
4. Cheeks -Vama etc.
5. Eyes -Kalaya etc.
6. Ears -Trilochanaya etc.
7. Face -Srinavama etc.
8. Chest -Prabravama etc.
9. Navel -Atmane etc.
10. Below right shoulder -Nabhih etc.
THE SAIVA UPANISHADS
11. Middle of right shoulder -Bhavaya etc.
12. Right side of chest -Rudraya etc.
13. Back of right arm -Sarvaya etc.
14. Below left shoulder -Pasupataye etc.
15. Middle of left shoulder -Ugrayaetc.
16. Middle of left arm -Agrevadhaya etc.
17. Back of left arm -Durevadhaya etc.
18. Armpits Namo -Hantre etc.
19. All parts -Sankaraya etc.
The devotee should then prostrate to Siva with the Mantra ‘Somaya’ etc. He should wash the hands and drink that ash-water with the Mantra ‘Apah Punantu’ etc. The water should never be spilt down from any cause. Back
