Vibhuti - The Holy ash

Vibhuti - Sacred Ash:

VI means valuable, bhoothi means asset (fame, wealth, treasure, etc).Sacred ash is prepared by burning dried cow dung flakes or sacred wood (Peepal, Bastard Teak, Neem, etc) during Homa. Any object when burnt, it turns into ash. When ash is burnt it remains as ash. So ash cannot be destroyed. It means we are worshiping indestructible god with indestructible ash.

Cultural Beliefs:

Ancient Texts states that Lord Shiva burnt Kamadev (God of Desire) into ash due to disturbing his meditation. In Hinduism people believe that sacred ash will remove all the sins and purifies ones soul. Vibhuti destroys evils and gives glory by protecting from several diseases. Below mantra should be recited while applying sacred ash on body.

  

Sri Satya Sai Baba vibhuti mantra is very popular mantra in modern age. Below is the vibhuti mantra of Sai Baba. Sai Baba always distributes vibhuti to devotees.

                                         

We can also apply sacred ash by chanting any Lord Shiva mantra. Applying Vibhuti on different parts will enhance positive energy. Applying on forehead enhance knowledge, on throat enhance voice power. Ancients treated this sacred ash as medicine and they believe this ash can cure 81 diseases caused by imbalances in air (vata), and 64 of diseases caused by imbalances in bile (pittam), and 215 diseases caused by imbalances phlegm (kapham).

Interesting Facts:

• Mother earth cannot weigh small amount vibhuti. Mistakenly also we shouldn't pour vibhuti on earth.
• Vibhuti should be kept at fore head with red dot at center resembling union of Shiva - Sakthi.
• Religious texts compared empty forehead with cemetery. So we should always cover our forehead with vibhuti.
• Lord Shiva covers his whole body with this sacred ash.
• Sacred ash can be applied on 32 or 16 or 8 different parts of body (Head, Forehead, ears, Neck, Shoulders, Elbows, Wrists, Chest, Navel, Ribs, Back, etc)

Scientific Reasons:

• Diseases caused by sweat on body can be prevented by applying sacred ash.
• Body temperature can be controlled. Imbalances (dosha) in blood can be removed. It also has ability to maintain normal blood flow in the body.
• Sacred ash is in white color; it resembles peace and makes the wearer calm and pleasant. Sacred ash will absorb moisture and kill bacteria in prescribed body parts when applied, this is the main reason people apply it on selected parts on body.
• Pure sacred ash which is prescribed in ancient texts can have ability to remove sinus problems and mental stress.
• Some people argue that sacred ash which is made from cow dung contains antibacterial properties this is the reason people will intake a pinch of ash when they are sick. It also improves physical and mental state of a person by giving energy and enthusiasm and removing laziness. It keeps a person in a spiritual state by remembering body is not eternal it will perish and converts in to ash. So, we need to keep life positive by doing positive things. By realizing this we need leave our ego and selfishness.
• The story of Lord Shiva and Kamadev gives inner meaning of victory over desire by applying Vibhuti.