In the old sayings and adages there are many references to the 10 deeds. thirun^Avukkarachar refers to the ten characteristic deeds of the slaves of the Lord. (paththu kolAm adiyAr cheykai thAnE) . mANikka vAchakar also refers to these 10 great deeds in thiruvempAvai. (paththudaiyIr ! Ichan pazavadiyIr !!).
One of the eighteen purANas ska.ndha purANam tells about the 10 explicit activities, 3 implicit activities of the devotees and also tells the 10 marks of the devotees.
10 Explicit Activities
- Being adorned with Holy Ash and rudrAxam
- Adoring the guide (guru)
- Praising and saluting the Lord Who holds the river gaN^ga
- Chanting the names of Lord shiva
- shiva-worship
- Pilgrimage to abodes of Lord shiva
- Listening to the glories of Lord shiva (shiva purANams)
- Venerating the devotees of Lord shiva
- Eating in the homes of the devotees of Lord shiva
- Donating to the guru who is a devotee of Lod shiva
3 Implicit Activities
- japam (chanting - internal)
- Worshiping the God in the mind
- Realising and rejoicing the experiance of God
10 Marks of devotees
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- Variations in the fervent voice
- Twitching of tongue
- Twitching of lips
- Body shivering
- Hair raising excitement
- Sweating
- Staggered walk
- Pour forth tears
- Weep
- Loosing self in the Supreme conscience