Vibhuti

In Hinduism, vibhuti (Sanskrit: विभूति; vibhūti), or bhasma or thiruneeru, is sacred ash made of burnt dried wood used in Agamic rituals, burnt cow dung, or cremated bodies.[1] Hindu devotees apply vibhuti traditionally as three horizontal lines across the forehead and other parts of the body to honor Shiva. Vibhuti smeared across the forehead to the end of both eyebrows is called tripundra. According to the Shiva Purana, the particles of ash which cling to the skin when tripundra is applied are to be considered to be individual lingams. The scriptures further state that bhasma purifies the soul, elevates the devotee of Shiva and works done without wearing bhasma are infructuous. There are various methods for the application of the ashes according to the purana and various mantras to be recited during application.

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Hindu man, wearing tripundra

Another meaning of vibhuti is a 'glorious form', in contrast with Avatar, a reincarnation of Brahman.[2]

Vaishnava theology describes a vibhuti as 'incarnation of power', which is only a temporary occasional manifestation such as when holy men are infused with divine virtues and qualities are infused.[3] Sri Aurobindo mentions a vibhuti as "the hero of a race's struggle towards divine achievement, the hero in the Carlylean sense of heroism, a power of God in man."[4]