2006-09-28 23:24:33 · 7 answers · asked by ruchi 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
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 as worship of the Lord. Or the deity is worshipped 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 implied 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 it 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 chants) 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 the body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. This is not to be misconstrued 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. Shiva devotes apply bhasma as a tripundra. When applied with a red spot at the center, the mark
symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter that creates the entire seen and unseen universe).
Tryambakam yajaamahe
Sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Urvaa rukamiva bhandhanaan
Mrytyor muksheeyamaa amrutaat
"We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and spread fragrance in our lives. May He free us from the shackles of sorrow, change and death – effortlessly, like the fall of a rip
brinjal from its stem."
2006-09-28 23:37:41 · answer #1 · answered by Ashish B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Holy ash is applied on Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the 40 days Lenten season. This ash is blessed & it symbolises that man was made from dust & will return to dust. Also there is a Hindu custom of applying ash 'bhasm' , I have heard of it but dont know its significance.
2006-09-29 06:39:34 · answer #2 · answered by Heista 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
at the start of the lenten season(ash wednesday) ash is applied on our forehead to remind us of our origins and what will finally be fate of our mortal remains. from ashes to ashes. i am not sure if you call that holy ash but it certainly has been offered and prayed over for a purpose.
2006-09-29 06:29:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
To distract others from looking direct into your eyes
2006-09-30 22:37:46 · answer #4 · answered by balaGraju 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To cover bad spots on our body and soul as well.
2006-09-30 21:01:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know but is this Ruchi from RGS?
2006-09-29 09:00:29 · answer #6 · answered by Hardrock 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can find all myths about hindu here
http://www.webonautics.com/mythology/omthesymbol.html
2006-09-29 06:37:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋