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How to Apply Vibhuti or Bhasma along with Sandalwood Paste and Saffron?

Vibhuti, also known as Bhasma, is sacred ash used by many Hindu devotees as part of their daily rituals. It is often applied in three horizontal lines on the forehead, symbolizing spiritual purity and the destruction of ego. Alongside Vibhuti, devotees also commonly use Sandalwood Paste (Chandan) and saffron (Kumkum) in their worship practices.

A common question arises among practitioners: After applying the Vibhuti paste on the forehead, can sandalwood paste and saffron also be applied? The answer is affirmative, but with specific guidelines. Sandalwood paste and saffron should not be applied directly over the Vibhuti. Instead, the three lines of Vibhuti must remain untouched. Sandalwood and saffron can be applied as dots just below the Vibhuti lines. This practice ensures that the sanctity of the Vibhuti lines is maintained while still allowing the inclusion of Sandalwood paste and saffron in the ritual.

This clarification was originally written and contributed by Sarma Sastrigal and can be found in his book titled "The Great Hindu Tradition." Sarma Sastrigal, a renowned scholar in Hindu rituals and traditions, provides in-depth insights and explanations on various aspects of Hindu worship, making his work a valuable resource for devotees seeking to understand and properly perform their religious practices.

The use of Vibhuti, Sandalwood paste, and saffron is deeply symbolic in Hindu tradition. Vibhuti represents the ash from the holy fire and symbolizes purity, detachment, and spiritual power. Sandalwood paste, known for its cooling properties, signifies calmness and serenity. Saffron, with its rich golden hue, represents purity and auspiciousness. Each of these substances plays a significant role in Hindu rituals, offering both spiritual and physical benefits to the devote


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