Vibhuti also called Bhasma and Thiruneeru refers to ash got by burning. It refers to two things, burning of metals to mix along with herbs to use as a medicine usually referred to as bhasma and the second is burning cow dung to apply on the forehead which is a Hindu tradition. Holy ash is applied on the forehead to remind us that even our body is going to turn into ash one day thereby always reminding us of the impermanence of our life . The act of applying holy ash always remind us that this world is maya and since we always are reminded of our impermanence, we don’t get too attached to worldly things.
What is Vibhuti?
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 eyebrows (agna chakra) and the throat (vishuddhi chakra). We usually apply it every morning and in the evening after our prayers.
In olden days, metals and minerals were burned and mixed with herbs and given internally for treating various illness. Adding burned ash drastically affected the effectiveness of the herbs that they were mixed along with. Burning at high temperatures and subsequent cooling altered the state of the metal and the nano particles of the metal helped the drug reach it’s target site much faster and the dosage required also was less. The ash that was obtained is called bhasma.
For eg, swarna bhasma is prepared form gold, godanti bhasma is prepared from gypsum, shankh bhasma is prepared from conch shell, mandur bhasma is prepared from iron oxide, vanga bhasma is prepared from tin, heerak bhasma is prepared from diamond, etc. Apart from the above mentioned bhasmas there are loads of other bhasmas prepared from various ingredients and their names include tamra, hira, motion, loha, yashad, etc.
These are all very important ayurvedic preparations that is used internally for treating different illness and should only be consumed under the strict supervision of an experienced ayurvedic practitioner. I would suggest to never internally consume bhasma at home without consulting an expert.
Applying Vibhuti On Our Forehead Benefits:
1. 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.
2. Prevents Headaches:
3. Regulates The Chakras:
4. Treats Cold:
5. Increases Compassion For Others:
Where To Get Vibhuti?
How To Make Vibhuti?
Traditionally to make the vibhuthi, we use karukkai (semi grown paddy grains) from the paddy fields. They are are usually discarded and we use it to make the holy ash. To make the holy ash, cow dung is made into balls, flattened and sun dried well. Then on an auspicious day they are layered with karukkai and hay till they are about 6 to 7 feet in height.
After the prayers and chanting, fire is lit, it burns for several days. The hay retains the heat and the karukkai prevents it from burning instantly which results in white ash which is collected after several days. But to make the vibhooti, cow dung that is got from organic grass fed native cows should be used.
We usually store holy ash in a special wooden box called thiruneer poti which is usually passed on from generation to generation. But since it will be difficult for many to collect cow dung and do the whole process, I thought I will share an alternate method.
How To Make Vibhuti – The Easy Way!
METHOD:
1. These are some of the dried herbs used in the homam. I am sorry for not taking pictures of all the ingredients, I didn’t want to disturb others during the pooja……
2. During the pooja the ingredients are offered along with pure ghee accompanied by holy chanting.
3. The pooja went on for almost 3 to 4 hours. Once the pooja is finished, let the ash cool overnight.
4.Take a thin muslin cloth and tie it taut around a vessel using a rope.
6. Take the ash and place it on the taut cloth and rub it gently around to get a fine powder.
7. The resulting mixture should be as fine as this.
NOTES:
- If you don’t do these poojas at home, you can easily get the ash from your friends or neighbors when they do the pooja in their home, every one will be more than willing to share it.
- Holy ash lasts for years without getting spoilt.
- Try to sieve it only through a thin muslin cloth to get a very very fine mixture.
- You can use this vibhuthi for young kids too..
- You can use the ash of any homam.
Discover more from Wildturmeric
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Ramya, I have been a silent follower of your blog. I admire your simple language, creative steps you take in your photography (The colour of Vessels, the background etc so many minute details you take effort a lot of effort I can say).And last not the least the wonderful knowledge you posses due to your own experience also learnt from elders.And now I see you have appropriately warned about not taking in various Bhasmas without supervision.What you are creating is an excelllent work to our Culture and to this Great land we call India. Do keep it up, One suggestion is to quote where you obtain these information. For e.x if it is from a Vaidhyar in your Town, It would be nice to read about him / Her too.Best regardsMuraliKrishna.J
Thanks a lot for your kind words, it means a lot to me….
I am overwhelmed by your open heart. I do desire to have access to the many herbs and spices throughout your site. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Ramya, I second everything the above commenter has said. I have been catching up on your blog reading backwards and this is the best post. Just seeing the pictures takes me back to my grandmother, great grandmother, and all the wonderful gifts they have given us. For those of us who have moved so far away in time and distance, thank you for keeping it close and fresh.
My daughter has a lot of allergies and sensitivites, and I am not able to use any of the commercial pottu or mai. Kumkumam rubs off too easily. Do you have a recipe for both?Thank you.
Hi RG, I am very glad that you like the post. I have recipe for both in the blog, here is the link for the pottu recipe: http://wildturmeric.net/2014/08/how-to-make-indian-pottu-liquid-bindi.html.
Thank you for sharing.What else can we do with the homam ashes?
We mostly use the homama ash only for applying on the fore head as we consider it very holy…
Hi, I just want to know if one can also consume it for internal healing?
I would suggest not consuming holy ash internally…
I have become addictive for great Vibuthi. The moment I think immediately I wanna swallow (just a pinch only).
me too.. i can't stop eating vibhuti if i see it. is it harmful?
i am also eating vibuthi it is very taste and nanjangud vibuthi is very taste try it.
Good and simple explanations. Thank you
Is this edible or it's for external use only
You may have some mineral deficiency. . Get some good multi vit/minerals or start eating a lot of green raw food.
Can i consume it to conceive?
Please don't consume it. It is not meant for consuming. Holy ash certainly will benefit you, only when you are applying it on your forehead and body as per the bhasmadharana vidhi. If you smear it as per the vidhi, then it will purify your body, mind and the soul. As per the vidhi, after the bath bhasma should be applied as three parallel lines on 5 or 8 or 16 or 32 places on your body including forehead. Once in the morning and then in the evening. Men should smear wet bhasma in the morning ,but dry bhasma in the evening. Whereas women should smear dry bhasma only both in the morning and in the evening on their forehead and body.
I am an south African. I used holy ash for bathing since then my heart beat so fast. What should I do pls help I'm a Zulu I don't know this things
GreetingsI always use holy ash when bathing as protection but iam not sure if Ian using it the right way since I combine it with soap.please advise me to that point should I leave soap or it OK to use together Thanks
I would advice not to combine holy ash with soap. We usually apply it after bathing and after our morning prayers…..
can I eat the holy ash??as I am addictted to consume quite often???
Is ththe any danger that Holly ashacan coarsc inside my stomach as am eating it all most everyday.
can I eat the holy ash??as I am addictted to consume quite often???
Author
I would suggest not to consume holy ash, it will cause health problems…
Excellent eye opener to our traditions. Carbo Veg 200 a homeopathic medicine is made from ash which is a great antacid.The logic comes from our texts.Vibhuti is an oxide and its source gives it different qualities. I am so convinced about our great ancient Knowldge. Nowadays all we need to be careful about is Purity of Substance and Action.
memory
i bought holy ash to use for my work,i use it to bath and to apply on my fore head i work with online talking to people online is it ok to use it?
where can we buy the vibhuthi, pure & sacred
I want buy bibhuthhi