Vibhuti (Sacred Ash)

  Vibhuti (விபுதி ) 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) [Omam ஓமம்] . 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:

• When eaten, Vibuthi imparts the blessings (Aaseervaatham ஆசீர்வாதம்) of the divine. 
• Placed on the forehead of devotees, it serves as a sectarian mark (Tilaka) [Thilagam திலகம்]. 
• In worship connected with Lord Shiva it is a symbol of purity and is one of the main sacraments given at pooja (Poojai பூஜை ) in all temples and shrines. 

  It serves as a reminder to the believer to cast away selfish and worldly desires that wrap the self in maya, and calls to mind the story of how Shiva burned Kama (the god of desire) to ashes when Kama attempted to break Shiva's focus on the Divine Truth.