Guest guest Posted May 21, 2007 Report Share Posted May 21, 2007 WHY DO WE APPLY BHASMA OR THE HOLY ASH.... 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 also called VIBHUTI, which means "glory" as it gives glory to one who applies it by protecting the wearer from ill health and evil and purifying him internally. Bhasma is the resultant ash from the holy sacrifice or homa which is performed with special wood, herbs and melted butter. It is holy because the offerings of oblations into the fire with sacred mantras signifies the offerings or surrender of the EGO and the egocentric desires into the flame of knowledge or a noble and selflesss cause. The ash that we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with the body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. It also indicates that the body is perishable and one day be reduced to ashes. Bhasma is also associated with Lord Shiva who always applied the ash all over HIS body - Hence it is advisable to chant the Mrityunjaya mantram while applying the bhasma. Scientifically, Bhasma has medicinal value and is used in many ayurvedic medicines because it is the product of wood, ghee, herbs and cowdung etc burnt to ashes. It absorbs moisture from the body and prevents colds and headaches. Take the Internet to Go: Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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