"The Greatness of the Sacred Ashes-Vibhuti." 

"The example of Sri Ramana whose daily routine included applying Vibhuti after his bath every morning, has a special significant for his devotees and sadhaks, since he did not particularly advocate orthodoxy or its opposite.

Sri Bhagavan also used to take and wear Vibhuti and Kumkum brought to him on a plate after Aratri at the Mother's shrine on important occasions or in connection with special rituals in the Ashram. One vividly recalls Sri Bhagavan's appearance on such ocassions and his characteristic posture showing attentiveness adding dignity to the solemnity of the scene. He used to tilt his head backwards and with a steady and even pressure of the fingers rub the Vibhuti on his forehead till a uniform and fairly thick coating was obtained.  The tilting of the head was to avoid the Vibhuti falling to the ground which was considered improper.

The hospital room in the Ashram, in which the third operation for the sarcoma on Sri Bhagavan's arm took place, was not equipped with the articles of Sri Bhagavan's daily use. The attendants forgot all about the Vibhuti, probably assuming that he may not need it at such a time. But Sri Bhagavan asked one of his attendants whether he did not have any Vibhuti with him (Sadhus generally carry a tiny bag of it in the folds of their dress).  The attendant did have his Vibhuti and Sri Bhagavan applied it as usual. SEIN (Courtesy: The Mountain Path)"

An excerpt: "The Greatness of the Sacred Ashes-Vibhuti."  from Symbolism in Hinduism, compiled by Swami Nityanand.

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