Vibhuti

In Hinduism, vibhuti (Sanskrit: विभूति, romanized: vibhūti), also called bhasma or tirunīru, is sacred ash made of burnt dried wood, burnt cow dung and/or cremated bodies used in Agamic rituals. Devotees of Shiva apply vibhuti traditionally as three horizontal lines across the forehead (also known as tripundra) and other parts of the body.

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 and elevates the devotee of Shiva, and that works done without wearing bhasma are fruitless. There are various methods for the application of the ashes, according to the Shiva Purana, and various mantras to be recited during application.