Vibhuti

In Hinduism, Vibhuti (Sanskrit: विभूति; vibhūti, Bhasma (ash), Vibhooti) is the sacred ash which is made of burnt dried wood in Hindu Vedic and Āgamic rituals.[1]

Hindu man, wearing tripundra

Application

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. According to the MahaShiva Purana the particles of ash which cling to the skin when tripundra is applied are considered to be individual lingams. The scriptures further state that bhasma purifies the soul, elevates the devotee of Shiva and works done without wearing bhasma are infructuous (pointless). There are various methods for applying the ashes according to the purana and various mantras to be recited during application. [2]

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Additional meaning

Another meaning of vibhuti is a "glorious form", in contrast with Avatar, an incarnation of Brahman.[3]

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.[4]

Sri 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."[5]

References
  1. Apte, Vaman Shivram. "A Practical Sanskrit Dictionary" p. 866.
  2. "VIBHUTI: What significance does applying ash on forehead hold in Hinduism?". NewsGram. 9 September 2017.
  3. Kapoor, Subodh (2004-01-01). An Introduction to Epic Philosophy: Epic Period, History, Literature, Pantheon, Philosophy, Traditions, and Mythology. Cosmo Publications. p. 342. ISBN 9788177558807.
  4. Dhavamony, Mariasusai (2002-01-01). Hindu-Christian Dialogue: Theological Soundings and Perspectives. Rodopi. p. 75. ISBN 9042015101.
  5. Aurobindo, Sri (1992-01-01). Wisdom of the Gita: Second Series. Lotus Press. p. 21. ISBN 9780941524759.

Further reading
  • Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola

See also
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