Vibhuti

This article looks at the sacred ashes in Hinduism. For other meanings, see Vibhuti (yoga) .

Vibhuti ( Sanskrit , m., विभूति, vibhūti ) is particularly beneficial (holy) ash in Hinduism , which comes from the sacrificial fire and is particularly associated with the Hindu god Shiva .

The ashes have various symbolic meanings and are believed to have supernatural powers. As an auspicious element, the followers of Shiva in particular wear them as tika on the forehead or other body parts or use them to heal physical and mental illnesses.

Marco Polo was the first European to mention Vibhuti: During his trip through South India around 1300 he wrote: “The Indians burn cow dung to make an ointment that they rub into themselves. This ointment is venerated there just as the holy water is worshiped by Christians . "

Today Sathya Sai Baba is particularly known for his alleged materializations of Vibhuti.