Vibhuti

In Hinduism, vibhuti (Sanskrit: विभूति, romanized: vibhūti), also called bhasma or thiruneeru, is sacred ash made of burnt dried wood, burnt cow dung and/or cremated bodies used in Agamic rituals

Hindu devotees apply vibhuti traditionally as three horizontal lines across the forehead and other parts of the body to honour 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 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