Hindu Rituals Why Do We Hindus wear marks on the forehead.

I know that all of you are waiting for this post. Today being Monday, I have but no option but to post this to keep up my promise to publish on Mondays and Thursdays. So your wait is over!!!.

Various Types Of Tilaks

Some More Types of Tilak

After a bath, apply tilak or a mudra (Symbol or a sign) as per sectarian norms. For example, followers of Vaishnav (A sect that worships Shrivishnu) sect apply a vertical tilak, whereas those of Shaiva (A sect that worships Shiva) sect apply three horizontal stripes called ‘tripundra’ to the forehead.

1. Reason for applying tilak to the forehead and tilak meaning

A. Tilak meaning – So long as we are attached to Maya (The Great Illusion), it is advisable to worship the sagun (Materialised) form of Parameshwar (The Supreme God)

The human body is considered to be a temple of God. The Sahasrar chakra is situated on the crown of the head in the region where a choti (Tuft of hair retained while rest of the scalp is shaved) is kept. That is the seat of the Nirgun (Non-Materialised) Parameshwar. Sagun Parameshwar dwells in the mid-brow region. Thus, so long as we are attached to Maya, it is advisable to worship the Sagun form of Parameswar.

B. Tilak meaning – Applying a tilak in the mid-brow region to Parameshwar dwelling there generates devotion and bhav, and imparts Shanti

• Applying of tilak is a kind of ritualistic worship of God.

• Scriptures state that we should use the middle finger to apply tilak. Since this finger is associated with the heart, the vibrations flowing through it are carried to the heart. When applying tilak to Parameshwar in the mid-brow region vibrations emanating from the ‘third eye’ present there are carried by it to the heart, thereby generating devotion and bhav (spiritual emotion) in the mind throughout the day and imparting Shanti (serenity).

(Men should practice the above method. Women should use their ring finger to apply kumkum [saffron] to their forehead, and the middle finger to apply it to other women or men).

5. Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead?

The tilak or pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others. It is recognized as a religious mark. Its form and colour vary according to one’s caste, religious sect or the form of the Lord worshipped.

In earlier times, the four castes (based on varna or colour) - Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra - applied marks differently. The brahmin applied a white chandan mark signifying purity, as his profession was of a priestly or academic nature. The kshatriya applied a red kumkum mark signifying valour as he belonged to warrior races. The vaishya wore a yellow kesar or turmeric mark signifying prosperity as he was a businessman or trader devoted to creation of wealth. The sudra applied a black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark signifying service as he supported the work of the other three divisions.

Also Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of "U,” Shiva worshippers a tripundra of bhasma, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on).

The tilak covers the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and thinking. It is known as the Aajna Chakra in the language of Yoga. The tilak is applied with the prayer - "May I remember the Lord. May this pious feeling pervade all my activities. May I be righteous in my deeds.” Even when we temporarily forget this prayerful attitude the mark on another reminds us of our resolve. The tilak is thus a blessing of the Lord and a protection against wrong tendencies and forces

The entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves - the forehead and the subtle spot between the eyebrows especially so. That is why worry generates heat and causes a headache. The tilak and pottu cools the forehead, protects us and prevents energy loss. Sometimes the entire forehead is covered with chandan or bhasma. Using plastic reusable "stick bindis" is not very beneficial, even though it serves the purpose of decoration.