How to apply Vibhuti?
Mantram and Benefits
The deepest essence of a human is Parabrahman. Vibhuti represents the subtle nature of humanity. It being a residual material, carries the essence of it. This is why Shiva holds an affinity for Vibhuti. Vibhuti symbolizes prosperity, and those who worship Shiva with it are promised endless abundance.
The scriptures proclaim that worshiping Shiva solely with vibhuti brings rewards that are equivalent to adoring Shiva with all the fruits, leaves, and flowers of the earth combined, multiplied by ten million.
The emergence of Vibhuti
Vibhuti is emerged directly from the face of Sada Shiva and is endowed with five names:
- Vibhuti:
Earth, the prithvi originates from Sadyojatam. Nivrutti arises from the earth. A brown-colored cow named Nanda is born from Nivrutti. Vibhuti is produced from the cow dung of this cow. Vibhuti earns its name for its ability to offer limitless prosperity.
- Bhasitam:
Water, the Jal originates from Vamadeva. Loyalty emerged from the water, leading to the birth of a blue-colored cow named Bhadra. Bhasitam is subsequently produced from its waste. Bhasita earns its name due to its radiant brightness.
- Bhasma:
Fire, the Agni emanates from Aghora. From fire, wisdom is born. A cow named Surabhi, with a red color, emerged from wisdom. Bhasitam is generated from its waste. Bhasma earns its name for its power to eradicate all sins.
- Ksharam:
Air, the vayu, originated from Tatpurusha. From the air, peace arose. From this peace, a white-colored cow named Susheela emerged. Ksharam is generated from its pies. Ksharam is named for its capability to ward off all adversities.
- Raksha:
Sky, the akasha is born from Eeshana. From Sky supreme peace and from this a cow by name Sumana emanated, which is of Chitra Varna(bright colour).From the cow pats of this cow Raksha is generated. Raksha is bestowed upon it for its protective qualities against the various fears in the ocean of Samsara, such as Bhoota, Preta, Pisacha, Brahma Rakshasa, and Apasmara.
Vedic evidence
Trapu Bhasma Haritam Varnaha
Pushkaramasya Gandhaha
In the Vedic scriptures, it is mentioned that vibhuti, or sacred ash, emerges from the supreme shiva himself.
Bhasmajabalopanishad
Upanishaddarshanam (Page-1252)
Agniriti Bhasma Vāyuriti Bhasma
Jalamiti Bhasma Sthalamiti Bhasma
Vyōmēti Bhasma Dēvā Bhasma
Rishayō Bhasma
Sarvagum Ha Vā Yēta Didam
Bhasma Pūtam Pāvanam Namāmi ।।
I humbly bow to the sacred ashes as Agni (fire) is indeed ashes, the Vayu (wind) is ashes,The Jala (water) is ashes, the Prithvi (earth) is ashes,The Akasha (sky) is ashes, the Devas (gods) are ashes,The enlightened sages are also ashes, Ashes pervade everything, I bow for its purifying essence.
Devi Bhagavatam
Skandha-11/Chapter-14/Page-487
Mahapatākayuktōvā
Yukōtavā Pyupapātakaihi ।
Bhasmasnānēna Tatsarvam
Dahatyagnirivēm Dhanam ।।
Being immersed or covered in vibhuti has the ability to cleanse all sins, including the five major sins, much like how fire reduces everything to ashes. In this context, "showering" refers to applying vibhuti to all parts of the body.
Yah Snāti Bhasmanā Nityam
Jalasnānam Tatahparam ।
Brahmachārī Gruhasthōvā
Vānaprasthōऽtha Vādarāt ।।
Those on a spiritual path, whether celibate, married, or monastic, shall apply and bathe with vibhuti.
Jwara Rakshaha Pishāchāshcha
Pūtanā Kushthagulmakāha ।
Bhagandarāṇi Sarvāṇi
Chaऽshītirvāta Rōgakāha ।।
Taking a shower with a mixture of vibhuti and water is believed to rid one of evil spirits. Anyone can apply vibhuti for this purpose.
Applying Vibhuti - Points to Remember
- Vibhuti directly embodies Shiva. It is an identity of Shiva.
- The three horizontal lines represent the combination of the letters A, U, and M, which constitute the "OM" mantra.
- Worship of Lord Shiva should always involve the application of vibhuti.
- When applying vibhuti, use only the index, middle, and ring fingers. The middle finger signifies both material and spiritual development, while the index finger represents salvation.
- Apply vibhuti on the forehead in lines approximately 9 to 10 inches long, ensuring they do not extend beyond the eyebrows.
- Each line of the Tripundram contains nine divine powers.
- It's advised not to chant the Gayatri mantra without applying vibhuti.
- Refrain from consuming anything before applying vibhuti.
- Avoid performing havanam and Tarpanam for Pitrudevatas or any deities without applying Vibhuti.
Bhasma Dharana Mantram
Chant these mantras before applying vibhuti on the forehead.
Om Namah Shivaya
Om Bham Bhairavaya Swaha
Om Durge Durge Rakshini Swaha
ॐ नमः शिवाय
ॐ भं भैरवाय स्वाहा
ॐ दुर्गे दुर्गे रक्षिणी स्वाहा
Vibhuti-Benefits
Shastras &Brihajjabalopanishad
- Protection:
It shields one from negative thoughts and influences.
- Safeguard:
It purifies the mind and facilitates spiritual growth.
- Shiva’s grace and Virtue:
Performing Abhishekam on Lord Shiva using vibhuti results in receiving abundant grace and virtue from the deity.
- Shower:
Applying Bhasma (vibhuti) on the body is said to yield the same virtue as bathing at all pilgrimage places worldwide.
- Wealth:
Applying Bhasma (vibhuti) on the body is said to yield the same virtue as bathing at all pilgrimage places worldwide.
It's imperative to cultivate the practice of wearing Vibhuti constantly. With Vibhuti adorning your forehead, you'll be shielded from negative thoughts and harmful emotions. Malevolent forces will refrain from approaching you. Therefore, make it a habit to wear Vibhuti continuously on your forehead to receive the grace of Shiva.
1000 Shiva Lingams Temple
