What is Vibhuti?

Many Indians have the habit of applying ash on the forehead. That ash is known as 'vibhuti' or 'bhasma'. Some apply it only to the forehead, whereas some apply it even to the chest and arms.

Usually, vibhuti refers to ash that is got by burning different ingredients and it can be used internally or externally. We burn native cow dung to ash and apply it in between the eyebrows (agna chakra) and the throat (vishuddhi chakra). We usually apply it every morning and in the evening after our prayers.

In the olden days, metals and minerals were burned and mixed with herbs and given internally for treating various illnesses. Adding burned ash drastically affected the effectiveness of the herbs that they were mixed with. Burning at high temperatures and subsequent cooling altered the state of the metal and the nanoparticles of the metal helped the drug reach itstarget site much faster and the dosage required also was less. The ash that was obtained is called bhasma.

Vibhuti has certain healing properties that help to relieve some illnesses. Our ancestors practised applying vibuthi daily as it prevents them from falling sick. The ash is said to absorb excess moisture from the body which helps to relieve colds and headaches. Vibhuti created from sacred fire (Homa) also contains positive energy. This energy prevents our body from the attack of negative energy in our body. This relieves our body from pain and mental stress.

Skin :

Human bodies are equipped with a very complex external cellular layer, the skin itself. It can sweat, and turn pale or red to indicate the range of emotions and also as a response to different conditions; both internal and external. Certainly, exposure of skin to different environments and elements does have effects on the internal functioning of the body. Dermal exposure to hazardous agents can result in a variety of occupational diseases and disorders, including occupational skin diseases (OSD) and systemic toxicity. E.g.: For — Thallium poisoning happens via the skin.

Applying bhasma on the forehead helps to relieve a headache caused because of excessive sun exposure; for the materials used can have a coolant effect when water slowly evaporates out, especially in the torrid subcontinental weather where perspiration is pretty common. This works exactly as a clay pot zeer is used as a refrigerator, or our indigenous ‘Ghatam’ or ‘Ghada’.

Benefits of Vibhuti :

Increases Positive Energy :

Holy ash increases the positive energy. The smell, the act of applying it, the chanting before it, everything increases the positive energy. It is also one of the reasons our mothers and grandmothers always insisted we pray morning and evening daily and apply vibhuti on our forehead.

Prevents Headaches :

Applying holy ash prevents headaches. Since it is made with lots of herbs that have amazing health benefits including analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, when we apply vibhuti on our forehead it helps reduce headache pain soon. Try not to use perfumed vibhutis on your forehead when you are having headaches.

Treats Cold :

Thiruneer also prevents cold and is very good for preventing all cold-related headaches. Holy ash made from the method given below is especially good for cold-related problems as it is made with the ashes of many wonderful herbs that help both treat and relieve inflammation.

Regulates The Chakras :

Applying holy ash is said to regulate all the 7 chakras in the body which is the basis for good health. Illness is said to be mainly due to the imbalance of our seven glands (chakras). Applying vibhuti balances the chakras and therefore keep us healthy.

Increases Compassion For Others :

It always reminds us of the impermanence of our lives, my grandma used to tell me that the thought that we are here in this world for a short period will decrease our worldly desires and increase compassion for others which is much needed in this stressful world.