HOLY ASH ( VIBHUTI)

Vibhuti  also called Bhasma (ash) 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 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.

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, the hero in the Carlylean sense of heroism, a power of God in man.

Introduction to Holy ash (Vibhuti) as a spiritual healing remedy

Use of Holy ash (Vibhūti) is a very good and handy self-help spiritual healing remedy. It can be used routinely to gain positive energy as well as to get relief from distress from departed ancestors and ghosts (demons, devils, negative energies, etc.).

The word bhasma means, “that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is remembered”. implied Bhabhartsanam (“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 (which means “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.

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.

Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all over His body. Shiva devotes apply bhasma as a tripundra. When applied with a red spot at the center, the mark symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter that creates the entire seen and unseen universe).

Bhasma has medicinal value and is used in many ayurvedic medicines. It absorbs excess moisture from the body and prevents colds and headaches. The Upanishads say that the famous Mrityunjaya mantra should be chanted whilst applying ash on the forehead.

    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 1. It increases the positive energy. The smell, the act of applying it, the chanting before it, everything increases the positive energy. 2. Applying holy ash prevents headaches. It prevents allergies on the skin especially if it is made with different herbs. 3. Applying holy ash is said to regulate all the 7 chakras in the body which is the basis for good health 4. Thiruneer also prevents cold and is very good for preventing all cold related headaches. 5. It always reminds of the impermanence of our lives, for a short span of time will decrease our worldly desires and increase compassion for others. 

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.