SACRED ASH

Traditionally, Saivaites(those who worship Lord Shiva) wear vibhuti(sacred ash) on their forehead as a religious mark. Vibhuthi is nothing but ashes from burning cow dung. Why then is it given so much significance? One may think ” after all , its just ash.” There is a very deep meaning behind it. It is because it is a symbolic representation of the fact that the sense of ego should be burnt into ashes in the fire of Jnana and that is why it is worn on the forehead in order to constantly remind one of the very purpose of human birth.