Some people are now criticizing applying Vibhooti or Bhasmam over the forehead. Can you see God if you apply Vibhooti? Will your difficulty go away? They make fun of everything. How to deal with these? - Ms. Prema, Chennai-4.
Answer: In what period of time have there not been critics of the good? It is appreciable if one's freedom of expression stimulates intellect. But if that freedom makes him arrogant and ignorant, he must be given the right answer...... Face the Brute!
Hindus should learn from Muslims and Christians in observing and adhering to their religious practices. They are not shy about displaying their religious symbols. On the contrary, many Hindu children grow up only to remain as children in religious matters.
Students of 'Vivekananda Educational Society (VES)' in Chennai and Sri Sarada Ashram schools at Ulundurpet don't shy away from wearing religious symbols on their foreheads while going to school.
‘Forehead is desolate without Vibhooti’. According to the scriptures, Sage Durvasa once looked inside a well in the pitru loka. A drop of Vibhooti from his forehead fell inside. Legend has it that, the well turned holy because of that drop.
Those who have fallen into the abyss of misery will certainly be freed from their sufferings by the grace of Lord Shiva, if they apply holy ash devotedly.
Vibhooti is both divine and scientific. If water fluid gets accumulated in the head, consistent application of Vibhooti helps in absorbing it. This is why those who apply the holy ash don't get headaches. It is also an excellent remedy for insect bites.
In the northern part of our country, the Naga sadhus do not cover their body with a dress. Instead they apply Vibhooti all over their body.
During the summer, it helps retain water content in their body by preventing evaporation in the form of sweat. In winter, bhasma prevents the cold air from entering into their body, thus keeping them warm.
How do you call something that regulates one's body temperature as unscientific? Ask this question boldly to those who mock application of Vibhooti.
The Spiritual Truth of Vibhuthi: The common man brags always about the achievements of his petty intellect. Even if one buys vast acres of land when alive, he is still reduced to a mere pot of ashes after death.
Those who decide to live a complete life, wear the holy ashes as a symbol of that ultimate philosophy of life, so that they do not go astray. This is not an oversimplified statement that says everything culminates to nothing. Only those who embrace the truth of death can live life to the fullest.
Based on this philosophy, you can now say "Sivaya Namah" with devotion and apply bhasma. He who lives a moral life becomes Shiva himself; The unrighteous are mere corpse- shavam. The name Shiva itself is auspicious.
When people see your forehead adorned with the holy ash, the thought of Shiva also comes to their mind. What could be a more virtuous deed than this? Atleast for this reason, apply Vibhooti or Kumkum or Thiruman.
Vibudhi means praising the virtues and glory of God. The tenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita explains in detail how the Lord dwells in every object and person.
Those who have lived life to the fullest and those who have made their greatest contribution to the world don't shy away from singing the glory of the Lord. God is infinitely satisfied when he sees men doing noble deeds in his name. You can find this attribute in many places in the life of Sri Ramakrishna.
Want to know more about the glory of Vibhooti? Read the "Thiruneetru padhigam" of 2nd Thirumurai written by Sri Gnanasambandar, the Great Saint -Poet of Tamil saivism.
Swami Vimurtananda
17 March, 2021
Ramakrishna Math, Thanjavur