Vibhuti

Vibhuti (विभूति; ), also called Bhasma (ash), Thiruneeru and Vibhooti, is a word that has several meanings in Hinduism. Generally, it is used to denote the sacred ash which is made of burnt dried wood in Āgamic rituals. 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. Another meaning of vibhuti is a glorious form, in contrast with Avatar, a reincarnation of Brahman. Bhagavata 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. Aurobindo mentions a vibhuti as the hero of a races struggle towards divine achievement, the hero in the Carlylean sense of heroism, a power of God in man.

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