Some ascetics rub it all over the body.
Many consume a pinch of it as prasad each time they receive arati . The application of bhasma therefore signifies destruction of the evil and remembrance of the divine. Bhasma also signifies the purity of the mind and applying bhasma indicates that one should burn one's false identification with the body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all over His body. Shiva devotes apply bhasma as a tripundra .