Applying The Holy Ash In The Hindu Tradition

Faith Mysticism

oi-Staff

By Staff

Thursday, May 14, 2009, 11:10

The Hindu worship is an integration of rites and rituals each having a symbolic significance. The smearing of Bhasma is one of the important aspects that go with the worshipers of Lord Shiva. It is usually applied on the forehead. It is also applied on certain parts of the body like the upper arms, chest etc. Some others like the ascetics have it smeared all over their body.

The Bhasma is accompanied by a red dot of Kumkum in the middle to represent Shiva and Shakti, signifying the unity of energy and matter which is responsible for the creation of vast universe, seen and unseen. of A pinch is also consumed immediately when received.

The word 'ash' cannot be taken in its literal sense that any form of ash can be used for the purpose. Bhasma is the ash from the Homa (sacrificial fire) where in a variety of special woods along with ghee and other herbs are offered to the Lord in the Homa pit. Bhasma can also be the ash poured on the diety during pooja and distributed as Bhasma among the devotees.

The 'Bhasma' would mean "that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is remembered." 'Bha' would mean 'bhartsanam' ("to destroy") and 'sma' would mean 'smaranam' (to remember). Hence a special significance goes into the application of Bhasma which would mean the destruction of evil and cherished remembrance of the Lord.

The holy ash apart from being called Bhasma, it is also called Vibuthi. Vibuthi would mean glory signifying its aspect of bestowing glory and extending protection for the one who wears it. It safeguards the person applying it from ill health and evil by its purifying nature.

Hence the significance of smearing the holy ash in the Hindu tradition.