Vibhuti is gathered from three sources – Shiva Agni, Vaidika Agni and Shaiva Agni – on the occasion of the diksha or initiation.
Vaidika Agni is the sacrificial product of oblations into the fire in Vedic rites, which may be
- Srauta
- Smarta
- Laukika
The last of these three (laukika) is the most ordinary and the least sanctified and hence is the last resort when other kinds of ash are not available. The first two are holy, as they are gathered from the sacrifices scripturally enjoined either by Vedas (shruti) directly or by smriti (ethical codes).