Bhasma / Vibhuti / Ash

What is Vibhuti / Bhasma

Vibhuti On Forehead

It is a common sight in India to see people wearing three horizontal stripes/bands of ash on the forehead, yogis, and sadhaks of Lord Shiva are seen with ash smeared all over their forehead and sometimes all over the body. This is no mere ash, it is Vibhuti (Vibhooti) or the ‘Holy Ash', the ash which is sacred and has spiritual significance. Followers of Shaivism believe that without applying pure Vibhuti on the forehead, no rituals of Lord Shiva should be commenced, including daily worship/puja of the Lord, even Bhasma aarti. This belief finds its basis in the deep connection of Lord Shiva with Vibhuti or Bhasma. Images of the supreme Lord Shiva depict Him wearing the Vibhuti all over His body or with the three horizontal stripes across His forehead and other parts of His body. The three horizontal stripes of ash are called Tripundra. Vibhuti is also commonly called Bhasma. Vibhuti /Bhasma 'Bha' implies Bhartsana 'to destroy' and 'sma' implies smaranam 'to remember', it means to let go of the unhappy/negative thoughts and to focus on the positive, the Divine. The Vibhuti/Bhasma has been spoken of highly by many learned and wise men because of the spiritual connotations and powers of Vibhuti/Bhasma. The word Vibhuti means 'glory' or greatness. It signifies that nothing lasts forever.

Bhasma On Shivling

Perhaps to understand what Vibhuti is in simple words, we can say Vibhuti is the sacred ash of burnt dried wood of special plants and trees, for which ritualistic processes and mantras are chanted, as per the ancient Hindu texts called Agama. Vibhuti/Bhasma is the ash from consecrated fire (Homa) where wood is used to perform the ritual. Bhasma is also made from burning cow dung, following various ritualistic processes mentioned in the scriptures. Vibhuti/Bhasma symbolizes detachment and the dissolving of ego and nothingness.

The Vibhuti or Bhasma has tremendous spiritual significance, it symbolizes detachment and connecting with the divine, the inner divinity too. It is about raising the curtain from Maya and facing the absolute truth. When Vibhuti/ Bhasma is applied it protects from lower energies and evil, enhances receptivity of higher energies, heals many diseases, is good for the skin and brings prosperity and abundance. The Aghoris follow the ritual of smearing Bhasma or Vibhuti made from the ash of dead bodies to do their sadhana. The Bhasma has deep meaning for them. However, Bhasma has other meanings too, as is in Ayurvedic science, which is metallic/mineral preparation, treated with herbal juices or decoction and heated at a certain temperature for the treatment of many diseases and conditions and has no side effects. Rudra Centre does not sell Ayurvedic Bhasma medicine products nor endorse them. In this article, we are focussing on the Bhasma/Vibhuti for their spiritual benefits.

Legends / Stories Associated with Vibhuti

The sacred Vibhuti/Bhasma has some interesting stories. The only similarity is in these legends/stories associated with Vibhuti or Bhasma is that they revolve around Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Lord Shiva had narrated a story to Goddess Parvati, to explain why He wears a smear of Bhasma all over his body.

Shiva applies Vibhuti over his body

One of the renowned sages of Bhrigu's lineage, a Brahmin, was once in austere meditation. Such was the intensity and dedication of his meditation that the changing weather/seasons could not affect him. He was completely immersed in the meditation. When hungry, he requested animals like Deer, Lion, Bears etc. to fetch him fruit, which the animals willingly served him with. At a later stage, the Brahmin started surviving only by eating leaves which were called 'parna' and so he came to be known as Parnada. He continued with his Tapasya. Time passed, and one day, while cutting some grass Parnada accidentally cut his middle finger. But to his surprise, he saw that instead of blood oozing out, he actually had a liquid similar to tree/plant sap flowing out of the wound. Parnada assumed that because of his Tapasya and surviving on a diet of only leaves during his meditation period, his blood was replaced with tree sap. This made him jubilant, which turned to pride about his achievement and attainment of power. So drunk was he with pride that he became heady with it, shouting that he was the most pious man existing. Lord Shiva was observing Parnada's reactions and in the guise of an old man, the Lord arrived near Parnada and asked him about the reason of his ecstatic behaviour. Parnada answered by boasting about his Tapasya, attainment of power and piousness. The old man told Parnada that ego and pride nullify all fruits of penance and added that Parnada had only sap of trees and plants running in his body whereas when a tree or plant is burnt, it becomes ash. Having said that, the old man cut his finger and ash poured out. Seeing this, Parnada realized that the old man was no mere mortal but a greater yogi. Lord Shiva then revealed His true self. Parnada bowed down to the Lord and asked for forgiveness for his pride. It is said that Lord Shiva has been wearing the ash since that day as a reminder for His devotees to let go of their ego.

WHY DOES SHIVA APPLY VIBHUTI OVER HIS BODY?

Among the other legends/stories associated with Vibhuti/ Bhasma, is from Shiva Purana, which tells the story of Lord Shiva's consort, an incarnation of Adishakti, who immolated Herself in the fire. Lord Shiva upon hearing this was overwhelmed by emotions. With Sati's dead body, in rage, the Lord travelled all the 3 Lokas, Heaven, Earth and the underworld. Lord Vishnu seeing Lord Shiva in this state of Tandava and torment touched the body of Sati which immediately turned to ash. Lord Shiva, on losing the body of His consort, in a state of grief, and loss, in a frenzy, wanting to make Sati a part of Himself smeared the ash on His body and since that time Lord Shiva is said to wear the ash on His body.

These stories associated with Lord Shiva keeping His body smeared with ash are some of the reasons which answer the question. It is believed that Lord Shiva smears the Vibuti (Bhasma) from the crematorium (Samshan), the ashes from the mortal body. The ancient texts say that Lord Shiva had declared the Vibhuti (Bhasma) to be the ultimate truth, as, it symbolizes the mortal nature of human beings, other creatures and anything that has life and beyond that. The Lord wants His devotees to be reminded constantly and be in awareness of this fact. Among the other legends/stories associated with Vibhuti/ Bhasma, is from Shiva Purana which tells the story of Lord Shiva's consort c, an incarnation of Adishakti, who immolated Herself in the fire. Lord Shiva upon hearing this was overwhelmed by emotions. With Sati's dead body, in rage, the Lord travelled all the 3 Lokas, Heaven, Earth and the underworld. Lord Vishnu seeing Lord Shiva in this state of Tandava and torment touched the body of Sati which immediately turned to ash. Lord Shiva, on losing the body of His consort, in a state of grief, loss, in a frenzy, wanting to make Sati a part of Himself, smeared the ash on His body and since that time Lord Shiva is said to wear the ash on His body.

HOW TO APPLY VIBHUTI

There are different ways which are followed to apply Vibhuti (Bhasma). The most common is the Tripundra which are three horizontal bands/stripes/lines on the forehead, which reach till the end of the brows. Tripundra is a Saivite tilaka which origins from the South of India. The first line stands for the removal of ahankar (pride) stands for the removal of ignorance and the third stands for the removal of bad karma (actions).

• Mix a bit of water with Vibhuti (Bhasma) by placing it in the left palm and covering it with the right while chanting Vedic mantras (thirunrruppadhikam or Sadyojat etc.)
• With the right-hand index, middle and ring fingers, apply Vibhuti (Bhasma) as horizontal bands across the forehead chanting mantras (aghora panch Axaram, Tryayusha mantra etc). Om Namah Shivaya is a powerful mantra which can be chanted while applying the Vibhuti/Bhasma. The devotion and feelings of the devotee is most important in the ritual of wearing the Vibhuti/Bhasma.

A variation of usage of the fingers for applying the Tripundra is to apply with the middle and ring finger and with the thumb apply in the opposite direction than done with the other two fingers.

There is another concept of wearing the Vibhuti/Bhasma in which it specifies that the devotee should first sprinkle dry Vibhuti/Bhasma on the forehead and other important points before applying the wet Vibhuti.

Vibhuti (Bhasma) can be worn either in 32 or 16 or 8 places, or 5 places on the body. The important points to apply are the pit of the throat / Vishuddhi chakra, ears, shoulders, chest or the joint of the rib cages, arms, and naval.

Care should be taken to ensure that the hands are clean before applying the Vibhuti/Bhasma and that it does not fall on the ground as it is the prasad of the divine supreme Lord.

How To Make Bhasma For Shiv Puja

Bhasma or Vibhuti for Shiv Puja is made by burning cow dung, and the other is by burning dried wood in Homa.

1) Bhasma/Vibhuti from cow dung- Generally made from cow dung of native Indian breeds of cows in the goshalas or cattle sheds for cows. As cows are revered as sacred animals by Hindus, the cow dung too is sacred. It is said Goddess Laxmi resides in the cow. The cow dung is collected and made into flat cow dung cakes or balls then it is dried on top of stones/rocks to ensure no sand or dust particles settle on it. Some even follow the rule of collecting the dung on specific days like the Amavasya etc. Once the cow dung dries then it's then heaped up with layers of hay and husk in between. It is then lit with fire to bake. It takes time to burn completely. Special Vedic mantras are chanted including Sri Rudram, Chamakam and so on, at each stage of this process, starting from collecting the cow dung to lighting the fire. Once the heap turns to ashes and cools down, the ash is sieved and the fine powder is then collected and used as Bhasma/Vibhuti for Shiv puja.

There are goshalas which make the Bhasma/Vibhuti every month on Shivratri day and have the special occasion of Vibhuti making on Maha Shivratri , where the heap of cow dung is so huge that it takes almost a week for the heap to be baked.

2) Bhasma/Vibhuti made from consecrated dried wood and cow dung - Shivpuran says wood of the Bilwa, Palash, Peepal, Banyan tree, Shamee tree along with cow dung are burnt along with chanting of Aghor mantra. The white colour ash which is left after the burning of these ingredients is carefully sieved and then used as Bhasma for Shiv puja.

Where is Vibhuti used?

There is a rule of not allowing women to enter the Garbgraha (the Sanatorium Sanctum). It's a rule which has been set because of the energies which are created during the Bhasma aarti. It is said that the atmosphere at that time is loaded with Tantrik energies which are not suitable for a woman to experience as they cannot contain the intensity of the energies. Also previously the ash used for the Bhasma aarti was obtained from the funeral pyre, which is from dead bodies, women were forbidden. Women are creators and give birth to life. During the Bhasma aarti, the ash also sprinkles on people standing around the Shivling, which is not suitable for the women, who are creators of life. Women are not supposed to participate in the rituals which involve the dead, and are not allowed to visit the crematorium.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF BHASMA/VIBHUTI

Bhasma/ Vibhuti made from burning dried branches of specific plants and trees, has astrological significance, as these plants and trees are connected with respective planets. The process followed to make these Bhasmas is special and gives the most benevolent outcome on using these Bhasmas.

PLANT BHASMAS/VIBHUTI

Ark Bhasma Plant

We offer a kit specially prepared for Gudi Padwa festival. It contains all the essential items to prepare Gudi for decorating the entrance of the house.

Palaash Bhasma Plant

'Palaash Bhasm' is used for balancing the effects of the Moon in the birth chart. If the Moon is well placed, the use of 'Palaash Bhasm' leads to good habits, stable life and health and helps make the individual more hard-working, bringing balance of emotions.

Khadira Bhasma Plant

'Khadira Bhasm' is used for controlling the effects of the planet Mars. A well-positioned Mars in the horoscope brings positive energy, strength, courage, passion, and aggression of a positive kind. The use of 'Khadira Bhasm' makes the individual energetic, learned, well-known and noble. When Mars is ill-placed in the horoscope, it leads to anger, irritability, instability, and aggression and the individual is prone to high blood pressure, anaemia and impurities in the blood. The 'Khadira Bhasm' is used to counteract these bad effects of Mars.

Apaamaarg Bhasma Plant

'Apaamaarg Bhasm' is ideal for controlling the effects of planet Mercury. If Mercury is well placed in the birth chart of an individual, it leads to rationality, wit and dexterity. The use of 'Apaamaarg Bhasm' makes an individual happy, educated, fortunate and highly respected. If the Mercury is ill-placed in the horoscope, it leads to a lack of concentration, speech and hearing impediments, lack of vitality and lack of communication. The 'Apaamaarg Bhasm' helps to nullify the malefic effects of Mercury.

Peepal Bhasm

'Peepal Bhasm' is used for the planet Jupiter. When Jupiter is well placed in the horoscope, the use of 'Peepal Bhasm' leads towards spiritualism, care and compassion, optimism, faith, good judgement and the individual is blessed with power and respect. If Jupiter is ill-placed in the horoscope, it leads to unhappiness, selfishness, egotism, sloth and greed and all these bad effects can be healed by the use of 'Peepal Bhasm'.

Audumbara Bhasm

'Audumbara Bhasm' is used for maintaining the good effects of planet Venus. A beneficial placement of Venus is good in the horoscope and brings attractiveness, grace, elegance and long life. The use of the 'Audumbara Bhasm' makes an individual refined with humanitarian qualities. When Venus is ill-placed in the horoscope, it leads to vanity, corruption, lack of taste and refinement and untimely ageing. The 'Audumbara Bhasm' is used to relive these effects of Venus.

Shamee Bhasm

'Shamee Bhasm' is used to control the effects of Saturn (Shani). If Saturn is well placed in the horoscope, it leads to discipline in life, responsibility, and humbleness. Using the 'Shamee Bhasm' by the individual gives long life, makes charitable/philanthropic and proficient in every work. If Saturn is ill-placed in the horoscope, the individual suffers from depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness and disorders of the nervous system. 'Shamee Bhasma' is used for countering these bad effects of the planet Saturn.

Doorvaa Bhasm

'Doorvaa Bhasm' is essential for controlling the effects of Raahu. If Raahu is well placed in the horoscope, it leads to inspiration, originality, insight and uniqueness. In such cases, the use of 'Doorvaa Bhasm' makes the individual wealthy and fortunate. If the planet Raahu is ill-placed in the horoscope, it leads to paranoia, addictions, mental ailments, stress and troubles. The use of 'Doorvaa Bhasm' removes such bad effects of Raahu

Kush Or Kushaa Bhasm

'Kush or Kushaa Bhasm' is used for controlling the effects of planet Ketu. If Ketu is well placed in the horoscope of an individual, it leads to spiritualism, sensitivity and high intuitive powers. The use of 'Kushaa Bhasm' makes the individual wealthy and protected against evil. If Ketu is ill-placed in the birth chart, it will lead towards eccentricity, irrational behaviour, fanaticism and addictions like gambling and fatal diseases such as cancer. To dispel these effects of Ketu, 'Kushaa Bhasm' is used.

Navgraha Bhasma

The sticks of all the plants connected to the nine planets are available to be offered in the Havan ceremony to pacify the planets, according to the need for individual birth charts or can
be used to pacify all nine planets.

SOME OTHER IMPORTANT BHASMA OR VIBHUTI

We at Rudra Centre offer many other original vibhuti online. Check out the following.

Brihadeeswar Vibhuti

A very unique Vibhuti/Bhasma is acquired from the well-known Brihadeshwara temple in Tamilnadu, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for making one of the finest quality Vibhuti/Bhasma. This Vibhuti/Bhasma can be applied on the forehead as a dot between the eyebrows (Ajna chakra), the pit of the throat (Vishuddhi chakra) and between the chest to stimulate the Heart chakra (Anahata chakra). It can be applied with the 3 fingers of the right hand across the forehead, such is the power of the Vibhuti, that it can heal a headache if you are suffering from one, and it helps to enhance positivity in life.

Sai Baba Vibhuti

Sai Vibhuti is also known as Udi. Sai Baba of Shirdi was a saint known for teaching love, forgiveness, religious harmony, charity, inner peace, and devotion to God. The Sai Baba temple at Shirdi is visited by millions a month. Devotees offer ghee, wood or sandalwood or other sacred items into the sacred fire (Akhanda Jyot) lit up and kept burning since the disappearance of the saint. Sai Baba Vibhuti is obtained from Akhanda Jyot. It comes along with the temple prasad, which includes laddus prasad pack, sacred thread from Shirdi and picture of Sai Baba.

Cow Dung Ash

It is prepared from the cow dung of Desi Gir cow native to India. Offering many uses and healing benefits, Cow dung ash is absolutely chemical free popularly used in Havans/Homas. It can also be applied on the forehead during puja for protection from negative energies and coolness. Apart from these traditional applications, it can also be applied on bruises or wounds, especially of diabetic patients, for it acts as an antiseptic agent. On top of all that, it can also be sprinkled on plants and crops as a natural pesticide.

Navgraha Vibhuti-Bhasma

This special Bhasma is prepared from Navgraha (9 planets) sticks and is highly powerful in pacifying the malefic effects of the nine planets. It is made from the wood of the plants which are connected to the individual planets and mixed in proportions to give the best results.

Vibhuti -Siddhanathan Sons

Bhasma is especially associated with Lord Shiva, and it is offered by smearing the Shivling with Vibhuti/Bhasma. This Vibhuti is made from the holy ash by burning cow dung of native Indian cow and husk with a blend of fragrant herbs. It can be applied on the forehead as the Tripundra tilak or as a dot on the forehead as a dot between the eyebrows (Ajna chakra), the pit of the throat (Vishuddhi chakra) for communicating sweetly, self-expression and between the chest to stimulate Heart chakra (Anahata chakra) with loving energies.