Why do we wear Holy Ash on the Forehead

All the customs and rituals of Sanatana Dharma have a perfect scientific basis. The ascetic, Rishis and Munis of India went into deep meditation and investigated various ways and means, for the humanity at large, to lead a happy and healthy life. Hindus and those believing in Hindu religion have been practicing these ancient rituals over the years.

And one such common ritual in Hinduism is- wearing holy marks on the forehead. The most common reason  produced by Hindus for this practice is one should always remember that nothing in this world is permanent and even his own(self who applies it) body would one day end up in a cup of ash. So every human should abolish his selfishness and develop love among every creature in this world.

 The holy ash created from sacred fire also contains positive energy. This energy prevents our body from the attack of negative energy in our body. This reveals our body from pain and mental stress.

Bhasma (the holy ash) is the ash from the homa (sacrificial fire) where special wood along with ghee and other herbs is offered to worship the Lord. Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead. The word Bhasma means, “That by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is remembered.” Bha implied bhartsanam (to destroy) and sma implies smaranam (to remember). The application of Bhasma therefore, signifies destruction of the evil and remembrance of the divine.

Bhasma is called Vibhuti (which means “glory”) as it gives glory to one who applies it and raksha (which means a source of protection) as it protects the wearer from ill health and evil, by purifying him/her.

Also the fire of knowledge burns the oblations and wood signifying ignorance and inertia respectively. The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with the body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. This holy ritual has scientific importance as well.

The scientific reason behind the application of this sacred ash on forehead is that it has the ability to absorb the moisture and kill bacteria from the bones and joints. People applying this sacred ash on joints and elbows. This is the reason for the practice of applying the sacred ash on the forehead.

It is also applied by people during a fever/illness and the reason might not be known to them or they may think that it brings up the god’s notice to cure them. Scientifically it prevents sinus problems and other bacterial disease. 

Hence, we can say that the application of applying holy ash is a gentle reminder to all spiritual aspirants to burn away all desires/vasanas and discard the false ego and be centered in the ‘self’ that is our real true nature.  This holy ritual has its scientific benefits as well. Having the scientific importance it influences our lives and surroundings.  Thus the application of applying holy ash on the forehead reminds us that the bodies are perishable and only Atma is permanent and therefore we should avoid false identification with the body, mind and intellect.