Sree Vaisnavi Kosalai Vibhuthi

•Vibuthi is a white or grey sacred ash made from burning dried wood, cow dung, or other natural ingredients in a special ritual fire (homa).

•It's considered pure and sacred, symbolizing the burning away of ego, desires, and worldly attachments.

•Associated with Lord Shiva: Devotees apply vibuthi on the forehead and body as a mark of devotion to Shiva. It represents renunciation, purity, and the impermanence of life.

•The Three Lines: Commonly, devotees apply it in three horizontal lines across the forehead—called tripundra—which represent: The destruction of the three impurities: ego (anava), karma (actions), and maya (illusion). The three sacred fires (agni). The three aspects of Shiva: creation, preservation, and destruction.

•Worn on the forehead, neck, chest, and arms.

•Used in rituals and pujas, often sprinkled on offerings or worn by priests.

•Taken internally (in very small amounts) in some traditions for its supposed spiritual and medicinal benefits.