Why do we apply holy ash?

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The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. Bhasma (the holy ash)

is the ash from the homa (sacrificial fire) where special wood along with ghee

and other herbs is offered by pouring ash as abhisheka and is then distributed

as Bhasma

 

Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead. Some apply it on certain parts of

the body, like the upper arms, chest etc. Some ascetics rub it all over the

body. Many consume a pinch of it each time they receive it.

 

The word Bhasma means " that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is

remembered " . Bha implies bhartsanam ( " to destroy " ) and sma implies smaranam ( " to

remember " ). The application of Bhasma therefore signifies destruction of the

evil and remembrance of the divine. Bhasma is called vibhuti (which means

" glory " ) as it gives glory to one who applies and raksha (which means a source

of protection) as it protects the wearer from ill health and evil, by purifying

him or her.

 

Homa (offering of oblations into the fire with sacred mantras) signifies the

offering or surrender of the ego and egocentric desires into the flame of

knowledge or a noble and selfless cause. The consequent ash signifies the purity

of the mind which results from such actions. Also the fire of knowledge burns

the oblation and wood signifying ignorance and inertia respectively. The ash we

apply indicates that we should burn false identification with body and become

free of the limitations of birth and death.

 

The application of ash also reminds us that body is perishable and shall one day

be reduced to ashes. We should therefore not get too attached to it. Death can

come at any moment and this awareness must increase our drive to make the best

use of time. This is not to be misconstructed as a morose reminder of death but

as a powerful pointer towards the fact that time and tide wait for none.

 

Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all over his body.

lord Shiva devotees apply bhasma as a tripiundra. When applied with a red spot

in the centre, the mark symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter

that creates the entire seen and un-seen universe)

 

Ash is what remains when all the wood is burnt away and it does not decay.

Similarly, the Lord is the imperishable Truth that remains when the entire

creation if innumerable names and forms is dissolved.

 

Bhasma has medicinal value and is used in many ayurvedic medicines. It absorbs

excess moisture from the body and prevents colds and headaches. The Upanishads

say that the famous Mrityunjaya mantra should be chanted while applying ash on

the forehead.