Vibhuti (Sanskrit : vibhūti विभूति; Tamil : திருநீறு / Thiruneeru ) is a word that has several meanings in Hinduism.[1]
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Vibhuti is the sacred ash used in religious worship in Hinduism. The main ingredient of Vibuthi is a special kind of wood, but several other substances, such as milk and ghee, prescribed in scriptures are also added. These substances are burned in a sacred fire (Homa). Vibhuti is placed on the forehead as it is considered sacred and holy. Many devotees add an amount to the tongue to receive the blessings of the deity.
The ash has several symbolic meanings:
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. Bhasma (the holy ash) is the ash from the Homa (sacrificial fire) where special wood along with ghee and other herbs is offered as worship of the Lord. Or the deity is worshipped by pouring ash as abhisheka and is then distributed as bhasma. Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead. Some apply it on other parts of the body, like the upper arms, chest, etc.
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 Vibhuti Bhushan (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.
Bhasma 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. The Upanishads say that the famous Mrutyunjaya mantra should be chanted whilst applying ash on the forehead, thus:
In yajna only wood is burnt, since cow dung is not considered sufficiently sacred to be used in yajna. Mostly sandalwood or shami wood is used in yajnas.
Vibhuti (powers) can refer to paranormal powers that some believe can be developed by yoga practices.
Patanjali in the Vibhuti Pada of the Yoga Sutras, mentions many different vibhutis:
In Chapter 10 of the Bhagavad Gita, titled Vibhuti Yoga, Krishna uses the term vibhuti to describe divine attributes such as magnificence, splendour, glory and prosperity.
Vibhuti (variant Vibhute) is used as surname in northern parts of Indian subcontinent, mostly by members of the Agrahari community and also this is a common name in Bangla-spoken part of India. The Bengali Writer Vibhuti Bhushan Bandopadhyay (often written as "Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay")'s book 'Pather Panchali' (The Song of the Road) was adapted into a film by Satyajit Ray.
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