2. The Spiritual and Medicinal Power of the Holy Ash

The Spiritual and Medicinal Power of the Holy Ash
- Vibhoothi or Bhasma
By M. M. Divakaran

Rig Veda, Atharv Veda, Sivapurana and Upanishads extol the use of Vibhoothi or Bhasma in great detail.

Vibhoothi, Bhasitha, Bhasma, Kshara and Raksha are five different names of the Holy Ash. It has the spiritual power of the individual and hence it is called Vibhoothi. Vibhoothi because it gives rise to lot of wealth; Bhasma because it eats away all sins; Bhasitha because it makes materials glitter; Kshara because it protects from dangers; and Raksha because it acts like a protection in case of fears of ghosts, devils, Pisacha, Brahma Rakshas and diseases.

The word Bhasma means "that by which our sins are destroyed and then the Lord is remembered". Bha implies "bhartsanam" that means to destroy. The "Sma" implies "smaranam" that means to remember – remember to God. Vibhoothi or Bhasma also signifies the Pancha-Bootaas (Earth, Fire, Air, Water and Sky).

An old proverb says the forehead without Holy Ash is a ruined one. The Holy Ash purifies one who apply on the whole body, so this purification or bath is called Agneya Snana. Vibhoothi applied with faith, is said to increase intellectual power and prosperity.

Vibhoothi or Bhasma is also said to have spiritual power, medicinal value and is used in the mantric type of healing. The entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves, especially the forehead and the subtle spot between the eyebrows. This is why headaches causes. Bhasma or Vibhoothi and chandan (sandalwood paste) cools the forehead protects and prevents energy loss. Also it gives fragrance or "sugandham" (sweet smelling).

Vibhoothi or Bhasma should be taken with the right hand and apply on the forehead as three horizontal lines. The first line stands for removal of Ahankar (proud) the next stands for removal of Ignorance and the third stands for removal of bad Karma (actions).

It is also believed that the Holy Ash can give rise to all sorts of wealth. When one wear the Holy Ash in front of it are Vasus, on its right are Rudras, on its back are Adhithyas (suns), on its left are Viswa Devas, in the centre are Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswar, and on its sides are the Sun and the Moon.

Skandha purana says that the Holy Ash would have to be worn at the fifteen parts on the body - head, forehead, neck, chest, both sides of the belly, two arms, two ankles, two wrists, two sides of the back and behind the neck. The ardent Shaivite men apply the Vibhoothi or Bhasma on nine parts of the upper body - the forehead, both upper arms, both elbows, both wrists, neck and chest.

Brihad Jabala Upanishad says: Busunda approached Kalagni Rudra and asked him, kindly tell me regarding the greatness of Vibhoothi.

Kalagni Rudra replied: From the Sadhyajatha face of Lord Shiva (He has five faces), the earth was produced. From the earth Nivruthi was born. From that the golden coloured celestial cow called Nanda was born. From dung of Nanda came Vibhoothi.

Water was produced from the face of Vama Deva. From that, the power called Prathishtaa was produced. From that the black cow called Bhadra was produced. From its dung was produced Bhasitha (another name for Vibhoothi).

Fire was produced from the face of Aghora. From that was produced the power of knowledge. From that was produced the red cow called Surabhi. From its dung was produced Bhasma (again another name for Vibhoothi).

Wind was produced from the face of Thath Purusha. From it was produced the power of Peace. From it was produced the white cow called Susheela. From its dung was produced Kshara (again another name for Vibhoothi).

Sky was produced from the face of Eeshana. From it was produced the power of Sandhyatheetha (one who is beyond dawn and dusk). From it was produced the multi coloured cow called Sumana. From its dung was produced Raksha (again another name for ash).

According to the Kalpa there are four-fold methods (Anukalpa, Upakalpa, Upopakalpa and Akalpa) of preparing Bhasma.

Anukalpa is made by use of Viraja homa manthras in Agnihothra (collecting ash from the pit of fire sacrifice). Collecting dried cow dung lying in the forest and preparing it as per the method is Upakalpa. Collecting the dried cow dung, powdering it, after mixing it in cows urine and preparing it as per method suggested in Kalpa is Upopakalpa. What one gets in Shiva temples is Akalpa.

====================================