Bhasma Jaabhala Upanishad

Bhasma Jaabala Upanishad is one of the minor Shaiva Upanishads. It is associated with the Atharvaveda. The Bhasmajabala Upanishad, in a manner similar to Brihajjabala Upanishad and Akshamalika Upanishad describes Vibhuti (Bhasma) or sacred ash, and Rudraksha beads as symbols and for body art. The text describes how the ash and beads are to be produced, its application on the body. The importance of holy city of Varanasi and its Shiva temple are mentioned in the text. The Bhasmajabala Upanishad is presented in two parts. The first part, with 17 verses, explained by Bhusunda Jabala, prescribes the procedure for making the Bhashma and its smearing; the second part, with 52 verses, narrates the conversation between Bhusunda Jabala and Shiva giving details about the Gods to be worshipped, and procedures for worship.