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."
