Significance of Bhasma

Bhasma, in the context of various traditions and practices, primarily refers to sacred ash significant in spiritual and purification rituals. It symbolizes purity, the absorption of sins, and spiritual transformation in Hinduism, particularly within Shaivism. Bhasma is also crucial in Ayurvedic medicine, where it denotes ash-like preparations of metals and minerals that enhance therapeutic effects. These preparations, created through specific incineration processes, are believed to be more bioavailable and effective, serving as important components in traditional healing practices.1
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Synonyms: Ash, Residue

In Dutch: Bhasma; In German: Bhasma; In Finnish: Bhasma; In Spanish: Bhasma

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Bhasma'

Hinduism Books

Bhasma in Hinduism represents sacred ash used in rituals, symbolizing purification and spiritual awakening. It embodies transformative qualities, eradicating sins, enhancing virtue, and offering protection, thus holding significant spiritual power and meaning in religious practices.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) Ashes used in rituals which have been described as having great significance.[1] (2) Holy ashes that are considered purifying and are believed to absorb sins, providing spiritual protection and liberation.[2] (3) Bhasma refers to the ashes that hold great significance in rituals and are essential for various religious activities for the twice born.[3] (4) Ashes that, when applied to the body, have transformative effects such as removing great and minor sins, enhancing virtuous actions, and being a source of good for all beings.[4]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) Ashes that are produced when wood is completely burned, serving as an example of a modification due to destruction of original material.[5]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

The concept of Bhasma in local and regional sources

History Books

Bhasma, derived from the Indic lexicon, signifies ashes or oxides and plays a crucial role in both traditional Indian medicine and Persian medical texts, illustrating its cultural and medicinal significance.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This is an important term from the Indic technical lexicon, referring to ashes or oxide, and is both assimilated and translated in Persian medical texts.[6]

Plural form: Bhasma's.