VIBHUTI---THE HOLY ASH -- A FAITH & A RITUAL....

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VIBHUTI---THE HOLY ASH -- A FAITH & A RITUAL.......PL Read FULLY to know all about the HOLY ASH....VIBHUTI/BHASMA...

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Vibhuti (The Holy Ash) Its.......significance.......burning away of our ignorance to ashes.

Vibhuti.....The Holy Ash (meaning glory) or Bhasma--is the holy ash which Hindus apply on the forehead or various body parts while remembering and praying God to bless us with the strength to destroy our sins -means ignorance .The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. This holy ash is created by burning cow dung along with milk, ghee, honey, etc. It is a principle sacrament in the worship of Lord Siva,

Literal meaning of bhasma--the holy ash...

The Sanskrit word bhasma literally means “disintegration”. Bha means bharatsanam (to destroy), while sma implies smaran (to remember). Bhasama is thus a reminder to us of the ephemeral nature of life. Also,if we wish to unite with God ( or the ‘ supreme self’ ) and remember him constantly, our ego or ‘little self’ has first to be disintegrated or burnt to ashes. Bhasma is a symbol of this process. It is also called raksha because it protects one from all fears. When appled to the forehead before sleep, it is said to keep away evil spirits or ghosts, whether external or those which manifest from the depths of the mind in the from of nightmares.

Bhasma symbolishes the burning of our false identification with the mortal body, and freedom from the limitations of the painfully illusive cycle of birth and death. It also reminds us of the perishable quality of the body, which will one day be reduced to mere ashes. Homa (offering of oblations into the fire with sacred chants) signifies the offering or surrender of the ego and egocentric desires into the flame of knowledge or a noble and selfless cause. The consequent ash signifies the purity of the mind, which results from such actions. Also the fire of knowledge burns the oblation and wood signifying ignorance and inertia respectively. The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with the body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. This is not to be misconstrued as a morose reminder of death but as a powerful pointer towards the fact that time and tide wait for none.

The power of Bhasma.......

Bhasma or Udi is also called “vibhooti”, because it gives spiritual power. The Sanskrit word, vibhooti means ‘glory’ , as it gives glory to one who applies it, protection from ill health and negative forces, and attracts the higher forces of nature. Another meaning of vibhooti is ‘healing power’, and it is widely used as a medicinal treatment in both ayurveda and Chinese and Tibetan medicine. since it is prepared while chanting holy mantras , so , vibhuti gets charged with positive energy .Vibhuthi should be taken with the right hand and applied on the forehead as three horizontal lines. ...........

The first line stands for removal of Ahankar (pride)

The next stands for removal of Ignorance..... And.......

The third stands for removal of bad karma (actions).

The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with the body and become free of the limitations of birth and death.

Applying Vibhuti to spiritually sensitive regions of the body as a protective measure.......

The mid-brow region, palms, soles and heels and front part of the crown of head are very sensitive from the perspective of imbibing positive and negative vibrations. Hence if these parts imbibe distressing vibrations or vibrations from negative energies we experience a lot of discomfort like headaches, confusion, restlessness, weakness etc. By applying Vibhuti to these areas, we protect these sensitive and susceptible areas from attack by black energy of negative energies.

Applying and smelling Vibhuti in cases of weakness due to reduced pranshakti (vital energy).......

Weakness that does not go away despite best physical measures like rest and medications is mostly due to reduced pranshakti (vital energy). This can be alleviated by smelling Vibhuti by applying on the palms.

Applying Vibhuti to parts of the body that are painful.......

Applying Vibhuti to parts of the body that are in pain like the head, ankles etc. reduces that part of the pain that has a spiritual origin. For example, if the volume of pain is 5 units and 2 units is due to a spiritual cause such as the black energy of a negative energy then application of Vibhuti to that area will reduce the pain by 2 units.

Significance Of Vibhuti.......

The Holy Ash If you visit Varanasi or any other holy city of India, you will generally come across groups of sadhus or saints who are semi naked and are completely smeared in white coloured ash. Apart from that you must have also seen ash being offered to Hindu deities, especially Lord Shiva. Have you ever wondered what this ash is and why is it used to smear the body?...... Let us find out.....and know.

The sacred ash is known as Vibhuti. Vibhuti means very valuable. It is obtained by burning dried cow dung . Smearing of Vibhuti is usually associated with Lord Shiva because He smears His body with the sacred ash. It has a great spiritual significance. It is a reminder to human kind that everything in this world is temporary and has to eventually perish. Take a look at the significance of Vibhuti or the holy ash in Hinduism. Preparation Of Vibhuti It is not that the ash obtained from any burnt object can be regarded as Vibhuti. It has to be from cow dung................................... In a traditional festival called the Shivarathri Muttan, the cow dung is collected, dried and then made into cakes. On the day of Shivaratri, these cakes are burnt and the ash obtained from it is smeared on the body. 

Symbolic Meaning Vibhuti is the reminder to mankind that one must not surround himself with worldly desires or Maya. Otherwise the lust and desires meet the same end as Kama was burnt to ashes by Lord Shiva. It is a constant reminder that one has to end up being burnt to ashes after death .... hence should keep away from all worldly distractions. Vibhuti is usually worn on the forehead, arms or the neck. It is a common practice to wear a Vibhuti tilaka on forehead with a red sindoor tilaka. Vibhuti is the representation of Shiva while the red sindoor denotes Shakti. It is a symbolic representation that Shiva and Shakti are the only truth in the Universe and everything is in being only through the union of Shiva and Shakti. Medicinal Value Vibhuti, also known as Bhasma has great medicinal properties. It absorbs excess moisture from the body and prevents headache and cold. It is also a good cleanser for the body and hence the sadhus bathe using Vibhuti in place of commercial soaps.

Significance Of Vibhuti According to the legends, Vibhuti is a favourite item of Lord Shiva. He always smears His body with the holy ash as it is the most purest thing in this universe. Ash is the remain of the burnt cowdung which means that it can never decay. Therefore it is a representation that the Supreme Lord is the imperishable truth and the entire universe gets dissolved ultimately in Him.

VIBHUTI......The Holy Ash......

What significance does applying ash on forehead hold in Hinduism? Ever wondered why the pundits you met sported three ash lines on their forehead, It’s believed that the holy ash also called ‘vibhuti’ or ‘bhasma’ protects man against all evil forces Vibhuti has medicinal values, it is used in many Ayurvedic medicines and prevents headaches and cold. A ‘tripund’ is good to display if one consciously remembers to follow the meaning behind its existence. Let’s now know about types, Benefits & medical properties/values of Vibhuti or Bhasma. What Is Vibhuti or Bhasma :

Vibhuti also called Bhasma ( Holy ash), Thiruneeruand Vibhooti, is a word that has several meanings in Hinduism. Generally, it is used to denote the sacred ash which is made of burnt dried wood.....Cow dung in Āgamic rituals. “OM Namah Shivaya, OM Namah Shivaya” are some words hymned by the Pandits, sages and your local gurus. These are mantras that are sung to ask Lord Shiva for his blessings. When one says the name Shiva, it automatically reminds him/her of the tripund; a symbol made of three horizontal lines that Lord Shiva adorned on his forehead. While the world continues to worship the God with all his disciples, a question is bound to linger in the mind of a curious devotee, “ Why the Ash lines on the forehead?”

It’s a question that can also stem from the daily visit to a temple, where one can very easily find many pundits flaunting the ‘tripund’. There are many stories behind the idea of putting ash on one’s body but there’s one universally agreed to the theory behind it. It’s believed that the holy ash also called ‘vibhuti’ or ‘bhasma’ protects man against all evil forces.

Ash is a substance that is obtained only when things are completely burnt off. This indicates that the ash kindles the devotee’s spirit and purifies him. According to the Indian scriptures, bhasma means ‘‘that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is remembered’’, this, in turn, signifies its inclusion in the worship of Lord Shiva. Adding to that a shiva lingam that is smeared with the holy ash is a common sight at shrines. Hence, to show one’s respect to Lord Shiva, he/she who renounces worldly practices and the person who completely rejects material pleasures, becomes a devotee and can wear ash on his forehead. There are five sacred names given to the ash of ‘homa’, the sacrificial fire. The names ‘vibhuti’ and ‘bhasma’ that are extensively mentioned in this piece also have a principle behind them. Since the holy ash is believed to burn the sins to ashes and give wisdom to all its called ‘bhasma’ or ‘bhasmam’. Additionally, its name raises the spiritual power of an individual and hence the name ‘vibhuti’.

Science has its reason to believe that vibhuti has medicinal values attached to its name too. It is used in many Ayurvedic medicines and prevents headaches and cold. Not only that, bhasma is also compounded with other medicines to increase its use. Lastly, a ‘tripund’ is good to display if one consciously remembers to follow the meaning behind its existence and strives to live by it. Without awareness of the truth that lies behind it, these symbols are nothing but social identities. 

Benefits Of Vibhuti or Bhasma:.........

 It increases the positive energy. The smell, the act of applying it, the chanting before it, everything increases the positive energy. Applying holy ash prevents headaches. It prevents allergies on the skin especially if it is made with different herbs. Applying holy ash is said to regulate all the 7 chakras in the body which is the basis for good health.

Thiruneer also prevents cold and is very good for preventing all cold related headaches. It always reminds of the impermanence of our lives. Applying it on the forehead is said to prevent cold. Stimulating the area between the eye brows can actually have another effect too. It can clear the sinuses. It can also prevent nose-block too. When you apply vibhuti regularly on the forehead, the area gets stimulated.

Types of Vibhuti/Bhasma:........

Swarna bhasma is prepared form gold.
Godanti bhasma is prepared from gypsum.
Shankh bhasma is prepared from conch shell.
Mandur bhasma is prepared from iron oxide.
....&.....
Vanga bhasma is prepared from tin.

These are all very important ayurvedic preparations that is used internally for treating different illness and should only be consumed under the strict supervision of an experienced ayurvedic practitioner.

Symbolism and Significance of Vibhuthi in Hinduism.....

Vibhuthi The Power of God......

In a general sense, vibhuthi (vibhuthi) means power, might, greatness, abundance, exalted position, splendor, etc. It is usually used in reference to spiritual or mystic powers (siddhis), the powers of God or Nature (mahima), or the perfections that manifest in beings as skills and faculties.

The Bhagavadgita contains a chapter called Vibhuthi Yoga which is exclusively devoted to the descriptions of the powers of God that manifest in numerous objects and entities as his greatness. The chapter declares that the powers of God are infinite and he manifests them in the world to ensure the continuity of creation and express his light and delight.

The eight great vibhuthis of God...........

Vibhuthi is also specifically used to denote the almighty power (vibhthva) of God, who has the power to create, support, delude, reveal and dissolve the worlds and beings. There are said to be eight kinds of his almighty power, which manifest in humans, Gods, and the rest of creation according to the spirituality, divinity and the degree of purification.

What ensues from vibhuthi is vibhathi, the glitter, light, illumination, vigor, or the aura of perfection or of greatness. Like the light that spreads from the effulgent sun, the power of God radiates with great vigor to illuminate the worlds and keep them going. The eight mystic powers (vibhuthis) are as listed below.

1.The power to become small (animan)

2.The power to become excessively lightweight (laghiman)

3.The power to attract, acquire, gain (prapthi)

4.The power to fulfill desires or manifest will (prakamyam)

5.The power to grow in strength, majesty, or size (mahiman)

6.The power to wield supreme authority, lordship, or omnipotence (ishitha)

7.The power to mesmerize, bewitch, delude, or subjugate (vasitha)

8.The power to control or suppress desires (kamavasiyatha)

Vibhuthi............ The sacred ash symbolism...............

Vibhuthi also refers to ashes from the burning of cow dung, the residue or the remains of an object or offering made to the sacrificial fire (yajnasesham). It is in the latter sense, vibhuthi carries a great significance in Hinduism, and especially in Shaivism, as a symbol of purity, impurity, karma, sacrificial offering, impermanence, healing, protecting and absorbing power. Devout Hindus use vibhuthi for various purposes such as the following.

As a sacred ash to wear marks on their bodies.

As a sacrificial offering in rituals to worship of Shiva.

As a protective layer to prevent the dissipation of spiritual energy from the body.

As the symbol of Lord Shiva, renunciation, and detachment.

As the mark of impermanence and insignificance of worldly life.

As a medicine to heal the sick and the weak.

As a sacred substance to ward off evil powers or purify a place.

As the remains of sacrificial worship for purification purpose.

As a mystic substance in left-hand methods to delude, charm, exorcise, or frighten.

Significance and Symbolism of Vibhuthi in Shaivism..........

Vibhuthi has a great significance in Shaivism as it symbolizes the mystic power of Lord Shiva and refers to his dissolving, destructive, and transforming power. According to the legends, he wears it upon his body as a symbol of his supreme power and lordship. At the end of each time cycle he reduces everything into ashes and goes into temporary restfulness. His third eye is the eye of knowledge and omnipotence. It has the power to reduce anything and everything into ashes.

It is said that once he reduced, Brahma, Vishnu and all the worlds into ashes and rubbed them on his body. Devout followers of Shiva invariably wear ashes or marks of ashes on their bodies as a sign of surrender and devotion. The mark of ash on their forehead may look odd and superstitious to the nonbelievers, but they do not mind to wear it and go into public or to their workplace. devotees of Shiva doing it without any discomfort even in the West where Hindus are a minority and where such marks may be viewed with derision or suspicion.

The Shaiva ascetics and followers of Shaiva renunciant traditions wear ashes on their bodies as a symbol of renunciation, detachment, dispassion, and devotion to Lord Shiva. Since most of them live in the cold climatic region of the Himalayas or remote mountainous regions and forests, people believe that the ash on their bodies protects them from intense cold or from insect bites. Wearing ashes on the body also symbolizes that the person doing so has renounced all types of attachment to his name and form, and for him his body is practically as good as it has already been consumed or cremated in the fire of spirituality and detachment.

In Shaivism, vibhuthi also symbolizes the residual power of procreation or sexual energy (retas). It is the sublime ash, which is generated when the sexual fluids in the body are withheld through celibacy and burned in the heat of intense austerities (tapas).

According to the scriptures, vibhuthi represents tejas, the burnt remains of semen in the sacrifice of sexual desires. When the semen (retas) is controlled and sublimated through celibacy and intense austerity (tapah) it becomes converted into vigor (tejas) in the body and brilliance (ojas) in the mind. They are like the ashes formed from the burning of sexual desire. The vigor gives the body a radiant aura and sublime beauty.

It is believed that the seminal fluids in the body are burned into ashes through combustion and transformed into seminal energy by a special group of shining deities called Bhrigus, meaning cracks of fire. The entire process in the body is presided over by Shiva, who is known as Bhrigupathi, the lord of Bhrigus. The Rigveda Samhita (1.58.2) states that Bhrigus were a race of special beings who discovered fire and brought the knowledge of creating it to the mankind.

Vibhuthi (ashes) as the residual power of sexual energy is symbolized in the legend of Shiva, as an ascetic God, in which he burnt Manmadha, the deluding God of love and lust, into ashes by opening his third eye. In the legend associated with the birth of Kumara, we understand that the semen of Shiva itself was the residue of a great austerity (tapah). It was so hot that even the fire God Agni could not carry it for long.

The symbolism of ash also suggests that Shiva's anger is not destructive but transformative. He uses anger to destroy the impurities that are present in things into ashes and makes them pure and shining, just as does in case of retas, or an ash-wearing ascetic whom he burns in the suffering of life to turn him away from worldly pleasure and help him focus upon his liberation.

In Hindus spirituality, all phenomenal life and existence eventually ends into ashes. Nothing remains. There is nothing you can take away from the sacrifice of life, except the burnt remains of your actions (karma), desires and latent impressions (samskaras). You wear them on your soul as the residue of your past lives, as your breath is carried away into the mid-region by the divinities. Wearing ashes on your body serves you as a reminder of this harsh truth of mortal life so that you can cultivate detachment and live responsibly without burning yourself in the fire of lust and desire.

It is from the ashes (the elements) that the bodies are born and into the ashes that they perish. It is why we cremate bodies, not bury them. Anything that is touched by fire becomes pure. What is left after cremation is the soul, which is eternally pure. It may temporarily remain enveloped in the impurities of your past lives, as the burnt remains of your existence, just as the ashes that cover the bodies of ascetic beings. When their time comes, they will fall and let the souls escape into the highest heaven of the immortals. This is the tradition. Thus, ashes symbolize many things in Hinduism in different contexts.

Literal Interpretation of the word vibhuthi....

Vibhuthi is derived from the root word vibhu meaning eternal, supreme, lord, eminent, firm, self-controlled, space, soul, lord, ruler, king, etc. It is essentially a reference to God, the lord of all. Vibhuthi is that which arises from Vibhu. It refers to the supreme power of God or to the supreme presence or manifestation of God.

Human beings are aspects of God. They have the soul, Vibhu, in them. They have the potential and the possibility to posses the powers (vibhuthis) of God. However, what prevents them from manifesting them is anubhuthi, the power or the manifestation of ego (anu). According to Shaivism, anava (egoism) which arises from the ego (anu) is one of the triple impurities, which bind the beings (jivas) to the mortal world. The other two are, attachments (pasas), and delusion (moha). These three impurities are responsible for anubhuthi (ego power), which prevents the supreme power of the soul (vibhuthi) from manifesting in human beings. Therefore, to manifest the power of God in you, you need to become detached from anubhuthi, the experience and the enjoyment of the ego.

Vibhuthi may also mean vi + bhuthi, meaning separated from existence, beingness, or the elements. 'Vi' means separated, distinguished, or discriminated. Bhuthi means existence, birth, or worldliness. Vibhuthi, thus, means that which is separated from existence or from worldly life.

Buthi in turn is derived from the world bhutha, meaning a being or an elemental body, or past time (bhuthkal). According to this interpretation, vibhuthi means that which is separated from beingness, elemental body, or from its past. In other worlds it is a residue or the remains of either the cremation of the body or its liberation.

Vibhuti , also called Bhasma ( Holy ash), Vibhooti, is a word that has several meanings in Hinduism. Generally, it is used to denote the sacred ash which is made of burnt dried wood/DFried cvowdung in Āgamic rituals. Hindu devotees apply vibhuti traditionally as three horizontal lines across the forehead and other parts of the body to honor Shiva. Vibhuti smeared across the forehead to the end of both eyebrows is called Tripundra. According to the MahaShiva Purana the particles of ash which cling to the sin when tripundra is applied are to be considered as individual Lingams. The scriptures further state that bhasma purifies the soul, elevates the devotee of Shiva and works done without wearing Bhasma are infructuous. There are various methods for the application of the ashes according to the purana and various mantras to be recited during application.

Another meaning of vibhuti is a 'glorious form', in contrast with Avatar, a reincarnation of Brahman. Bhagavata Theology describes a vibhuti as 'incarnation of power', which is only a temporary occasional manifestation such as when holy men are infused with divine virtues and qualities are infused. Aurobindo mentions a vibhuti as 'the hero of a race's struggle towards divine achievement, a power of God in man.

Why Is The Holy Ash Significant In Hindusim?........

Vibhuti........

Now let us see why we apply “the holy ash” also known as Bhasma and vibhuti. This holy ash, which is taken from the homa (sacrificial fire), is made up of wood along with ghee and different herbs which are offered to gratify the Gods. Bhasma means, “that by which our sins are destroyed and the almighty is remembered”. Bha implies bhartsanam meaning – to destroy and sma implies smaranam meaning – to remember.

The application of bhasma therefore indicates destruction of the evil and remembering the divine. Vibhuti – means glory, it gives glory to the one who applies it and raksha which means a source of protection, as it will protect us from evil and ill health. Bhasma is also distributed to the devotees after conducting abishekam on the deity.

This holy ash is applied on the forehead, some devotees apply it on the upper arms, and chest, but most of us apply a pinch of it each time we receive it. This Holy ash – Bhasma is specially allied with God Shiva who smears it all over his body. The devotees of God Shiva apply bhasma as a tripundra or pattai. When applied with a red spot at the center of the forehead, the mark represents Shiva-Shakti (it is considered as the unity of energy and matter that creates the whole seen and unseen universe).

It is also believed that Bhasma has medicinal value and is used in ayurvedic medicines.The Upanishads say that one should chant the Maha Mritunjaya mantra whilst applying the holy ash in the forehead. Hence let us all learn to chant this powerful Maha Mritunjaya mantra, every time we apply the holy ash.

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra...... Lyrics in English...

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan
Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Meaning In Hindi To English.....

aum = is a sacred syllable in Sanatan Dharma.
tryambakam = the three-eyed one
yajāmahe = We adore, honor and worship.
sugandhim = sweet fragrance.
puṣṭi = A fullness of life.
vardhanam = One who nourishes and strengthens health and wealth.
puṣṭi+vardhanam = The one who nourishes others and ensures their fullness.
urvārukam-iva = like the cucumber or melon or a big peach.
bandhanān = “from captivity”.
mṛtyormukṣīya = Free, liberate From death.
mā’mṛtāt = immortality.

Vibhuti or Bhasma Meaning..........

In Sanskrit, Bhoothi means Aishwaryam, meaning wealth, treasure, precious. Vi-bhoothi with an Upasarga (preposition “vi”) means very or more valuable. The synonyms of Vibhuti in Sanskrit as said in the Amara-kosha is “Vibhuti: bhoothi: Aishwaryam”. Vibhuti can also be called as Bhoothi,Aishwaryam,Basma etc.

Vibhuti is the sacred ash used in religious worship in Hinduism.The main ingredient of Vibuthi is a special kind of wood and dried cowdung.... It is burned in a sacred fire (Homa)to form white ash. Vibhutiis placed on the forehead as it is considered sacred and holy.

Holy Ash...............

Vedic scriptures say as follows “Lalaata Shoonyam Smashaana Tulyam”,which means that “an empty forehead is comparable to a cemetery”. So, Hindus pay special attention that their forehead is smeared with vibhooti and it remains all the time over their body in a day. Even the Almighty Lord Shiva who sports vibhuti all the time stands as an example to his followers that however one be considered as great person in this mortal world,he needs to smear his forehead and the body with holy ash prepared from a special kind of wood as he does (Lord Shiva) in the Immortal adobe of Kailasa. So,it is considered by vedic scholars that even great saints, seers, yogis and the like should wear vibhuti all the time over forehead and other parts of the body in form of three lines to make a Tripundra.

Vibhuti smeared horizontally to make three parallel lines with forefinger,middle finger and ring finger across the forehead & other parts of the body like chest, stomach, arms, elbows, wrists etc is called as Tripundra. It is mandatory for the devotees of Lord Shiva to have Tripundra over their body all the time.A person who smears Vibhuti purifies himself from sins and also removes the sins of persons who looks at him be smeared with Vibhuti .

Why Do We Use Bhasma or Holy Ash......

Unfortunately, in many places it has become a scandalous business where they are just giving a certain white rock powder as sacred ash. But if it is properly prepared and you know where and how to apply it, sacred ash makes you much more receptive; and the place where you apply it on your body becomes more sensitive and goes towards the higher nature. So, before you step out of the house in the morning, you apply sacred ash at certain points to receive the divine around you, not the devil.

Depending on which aspect of you is receptive at that moment, you can receive life in different ways and from various dimensions of who you are. You must have observed this – at one time, you saw something and experienced it in a certain way. Some other time, you saw the same thing and experienced it in a totally different way. The way you receive life makes the difference. So, you want the higher aspects of you to be receptive, not the lower.

Within your physical body, there are seven basic centers representing seven dimensions of experiencing life. These centers are known as chakras. A chakra is a certain meeting point within the energy system. These chakras are not physical, they are of a subtle nature. These 7 chakras are as follows:-

1.Sahasrara.

2.Agya.

3.Vishuddi.

4.Anahata.

5.Manipura.

6.Swadhisthana.

7.Muladhara.

One can experimentally know these chakras, but if you cut the body and see, you will not find any chakra. As you move into higher levels of intensity, naturally the energies will rise from one chakra to another. If you receive life from the higher chakras, the same situation will be different for you than if you receive life from the lower chakras.

How Should We apply Holy Ash........

Traditionally, vibhuti is taken between your thumb and your ring finger – you don’t have to pick up a lot of it, just a little bit – and applied between the eyebrows, known as the agna chakra, at the pit of the throat known as the vishuddhi chakra, and in the center of the chest where the ribcage meets, known as the anahata chakra. It used to be common knowledge in India that you must apply it at these points. The reason why these particular points have been specified is because sacred ash makes them more sensitive.

This is a very deep science, but today, without understanding the science behind it, we simply apply it like a stripe on the forehead

Vibhuti is usually applied at the anahata so that you receive life as love. It is applied at the vishuddhi so that you receive life as power; power does not mean just physical or mental power, there are so many ways in which a human being can be powerful. The idea is to make the life energies very strong and powerful so that your very presence has an influence on life around you – you don’t have to speak or act – if you simply sit, you influence the situation around you. This kind of power can be developed within a human being. Vibhuti is applied at the agna so that you receive life as knowledge.

Greatness of Vibhuti..............

The great saint Thiru Gyaana Sambandar did many wonders with Vibhuti and he expounds the greatness of Vibhuti in one of his Pathigams called “Thiruneetru Pathigam” as follows,

Mandhira maavadhu neeru| Vaanavar meeladhu neeru ||
Sundhara maavadhu neeru |Thudhikkap paduvadhu neeru ||
Thandhira maavadhu neeru| Chamayaththil ullaadhu neeru ||
Senthuvar vaayumai pangan|Thiruaalavaayaan Thiruneerae ||

Meaning: Mantra is the ash; Higher than heavenly people is the ash; Beauty is the ash; Praised is the ash; Technique is the ash; In the religion is the ash; The Lord of Thiruaalavaay (Lord Sundareshwarar,Madurai) who share the body with the red lipped Parvathi – His Holy Ash.

Sanchakshara mantra and the above Pathigam are generally recited by devotees while smearing Vibhuti. Winning the Jains in the challenge on fire Thirugnana Sambandhar sang the above marvelous hymn Thiruppaachuram explaining the king and the world the limitless grace and glory of Lord Shiva and won the Jains in the water challenge. Thiru Gyana sambandar won the Jains and re-converted the king and his people back to Shaivism by Vibhutireciting the above Pathigam.

Vibhuti of Vaitheeswaran Koil and Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is famous for curing many incurable diseases.

Scriptures say that Vibhuti should not wasted by spilling it in on floor or walls after receiving it as a Prasaad (consecrated substance) from a Shiva Temple. Goddess Bhoomi Devi (the Goddess of Earth) cannot tolerate the weight of certain substances.They are Vibhuti, Tulsi(basil) leaves, Sacred Deepa (lamp), Sacred Thread etc., due to their sacredness. So, they are kept over a Asanam (throne) to give respect to those articles. They are not kept on the floor directly.

The Holy ash has several symbolic meanings...............

It serves as a reminder to the believer to cast away selfish and worldly desires that wrap the self in maya, and calls to mind the story of how Shiva burned Kama (the god of desire) to ashes when Kama attempted to break Shiva’s focus on the Divine Truth.

Normally worn along with red tilaka. Vibhuti relates to Shiva and Red tilaka to Shakti. Reminds that Shiva and Shakti form the universe and everything is though the union of Shiva and Shakti.

Glorious attributes.................

Vibhuti may refer to glorious attributes of the divine, and in this context is translated as ‘all pervading’, ‘superhuman power’, ‘wealth’ and so on.

The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. Vibhuti ( Bhasma,Thiruneeru, the holy ash) is the ash from the Homa (consecrated fire) where wood is used to perform the ritual. Or the deity is worshipped by pouring ash as abhisheka and is then distributed as Prassad to devotees. Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead, neck, chest, arms, stomach elbow, wrists etc. Some apply it on other parts of the body, like the knees, toes, scalp etc. It is considered very auspicious for the hindus especially shaiva sect of people to smear Vibhuti all over the body.

Sri Adi Shankaracharya praises the greatness of Vibhuti of Lord Murugan in his “Sri Subramnaya Bhujanga Stotra” as follows ,

ApasmAra kushta kshayArsha prameha|
JvaronmAdha gulmAdhi rogA mahAntha||
PishAchAshcha sarve bhavatpatra bhoothim|
Vilokya kshanAth tArakAre dravanthe|| (Shloka no.25)

Meaning: Oh Conqueror of Taraka! Severe epilepsy, leprosy, consumption, lung diseases, venereal diseases, fevers, mental diseases of all types, they run away the moment they see Thy Vibhuti contained in a leaf.

The word bhasma means “that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is remembered”. ”Bha” implies Bhartsana (“to destroy”) and “sma” implies smaranam (“to remember”). The application of Bhasma therefore signifies destruction of the evil and remembrance of the divine. Bhasma is called Vibhuti (“glory”) as it gives glory to one who applies it and raksha (which means a source of protection) as it protects the wearer from ill health and evil, by purifying him or her.

The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. It also reminds us that the body is perishable and shall one day be reduced to ashes. As death can come at any moment, this awareness must increase our drive to make the best use of time. This is not to be misconstrued as a morose reminder of death, but as a powerful pointer towards the fact that time and tide wait for none.

Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva, who applies it all over His body. According to Hindu mythology Vibhuti or Bhasma is said to be favorite to Lord Shiva and that’s why He is often called VibhutiBhushan (the one having ash as his ornament). Shiva devotees apply bhasma as a tripundra (the form of three lines). When applied with a red spot in the centre, the mark symbolises Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter that creates the entire seen and unseen universe).

Ash is what remains when all the wood is burnt away and it does not decay. Similarly, the Lord is imperishable Truth that remains when the entire creation of innumerable names and forms is dissolved.

Vibhuti (Holy Ash) is believed to have medicinal value and is used in many ayurvedic medicines. It absorbs excess moisture from the body and prevents colds and headaches. T

“We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and spreads fragrance in our lives. May He free us from the shackles of sorrow, change and death effortlessly, like the fall of a ripe cucumber from its stem !!”

Vibhuti in Yajna.........

In yajna vibhuti is considered very sacred and is used as fuel to burn the offerings like ghee, milk, curd, rice, holy twigs etc, in Lord Agni who carries the offerings to the respective devata in a yajna. The residue left over which is white in colour is considered as Vibhuti and is given to the devotees as prasaad for daily use to please Lord Shiva.

Vibhuti or (Holy Ash) Preperation..............

Traditionally to make the vibhuthi, we use karukkai (semi grown paddy grains) from the paddy fields. They are are usually discarded and we use it to make the holy ash. To make the holy ash, cow dung is made into balls, flattened and sun dried well. Then on an auspicious day they are layered with karukkai and hay till they are about 6 to 7 feet in height. After the prayers and chanting, fire is lit, it burns for several days. The hay retains the heat and the karukkai prevents it from burning instantly which results in white ash which is collected after several days. But to make the vibhooti, cow dung that is got from organic grass fed native cows should be used. We usually store holy ash in a special wooden box called thiruneer poti which is usually passed on from generation to generation.

Common Amalgam used in Manufacturing.................

CAUTION........CAUTION........CAUTION.

Many Vibhuti Manufacturers these days adulterate their Vibhuti product with Jersey and Friesian’s animals dung ashes, rice bran ashes, rice husk ashes, boiler waste ashes, Thermal Power plant ashes, Bio-gas energy plants, white stone powder, paper cellulose, calcium carbonate, paints, chemicals, etc… These substances make them unfit for spiritual use. Due to lack of knowledge and awareness, the above adulterants are used by the manufacturers to gain a huge profit, as they are cheaply available and are considered as waste by-products by various industries.

Many people have developed skin allergies with the use of these adulterated Vibhuti. Special care needs to be taken by the Shiva devotees that Vibhuti is without adulterants and is prepared in a traditional way (from wood) to gain the benefits of smearing Vibhuti. — with Ramanand Makams and Srilan Srisukumaran.

Benefits & Uses Of VIBHUTHI (The Holy Ash)...........

The act of applying holy ash always remind us that this world is maya and since we always are reminded of our impermanence, we don’t get too attached to worldly things. Applying holy ash on our forehead has these wonderful benefits It increases the positive energy. The smell, the act of applying it, the chanting before it, everything increases the positive energy. Applying holy ash prevents headaches. It prevents allergies on the skin especially if it is made with different herbs.
Applying holy ash is said to regulate all the 7 chakras in the body which is the basis for good health.Thiruneer also prevents cold and is very good for preventing all cold related headaches.It always reminds of the impermanence of our lives, the thought that we are here in this world for a short span of time will decrease our worldly desires and increase compassion for others........

Compiled and edited by............. JK

"AUM NAMASHIVAYA"......"SHAMBHO MAHADEVA"

J.KANNAN, M.Com, FIATA

"WE DON'T THINK TO BREATHE
WE BREATHE TO THINK"