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The forehead mark Tilak has a lot of significance in India, as it is believed to be associated with good luck. Tilak is applied on the space between the eyebrows, which is referred to as Ajna Chakra. The Hindu symbol Tilak stands for victory, success and good fortune. The tradition of applying Tilaka is being practiced since ages. There are different kinds of tilak; some are made by using sandal paste, while others use kumkum, sacred ashes (vibhuti) and turmeric. In many Hindu families, Tilaka is worn on a daily basis, before stepping out of house to ensure health and safety. While other people wear it on specific religious occasions.

Significance of Tilak

There are different types of Tilak, each differing in its significance. Tilak is worn on the Ajna Chakra, the centre of forehead, on the space between the eyebrows. Tilak is applied on the point at which the third eye or the spiritual eye is believed to open. All the actions of humans are governed by this specific point. Application of tilak is customary and infact, most of the Hindu ceremonies begin with the application of tilak. Well, Tilak can be made by using sandal paste, turmeric, kumkum or ashes. Depending on the purpose for which Tilak is applied, the material is chosen for preparing the sacred forehead mark.

Tilak can be applied in varied forms as a mark of auspiciousness as well as blessing. Numerous mentions have been made about Tilak in the ancient scriptures such as Vedas and Upanishads. Rig Veda has given an elaborate description about the life of Goddess Usha, the consort of Lord Surya. She is portrayed as wearing a red dot on her forehead that signifies the rising sun.

Types of Tilak

As per the traditions of Hindus, there are varied kinds of Tilak, each having its distinctive importance. Regarded as the sign of good luck and prosperity, Tilak is applied on the forehead. The forehead mark Tilak can be made by using sandal paste, turmeric, holy ashes (Vibhuti) or kumkum. The worshippers of Lord Shiva called Saivites apply tilaka made from the sacred ashes, since it symbolizes purity, consecration and sanctification. They mostly draw three horizontal lines known as tripundra.

The devotees of Lord Vishnu on the other hand wear tilak made from sandalwood paste (Chandan). They usually draw it in the form of three vertical lines. The worshippers of Shakti or Devi apply kumkum. Shaktas usually draw a single vertical line. However, at times, their tilak is in the form of a single dot. Apart from these, there are other types of tilak such as the honorary tilakas consisting of Raj Tilak and Vir Tilak. They are mostly drawn as a single vertical line in red color.

Raj tilak is applied when some eminent personalities are called upon to grace a particular function or event. It was used in the bygone times while throning kings. Vir Tilak is applied to those who come out victoriously after winning in the battle field. Tilak is more often applied using the index finger. In some customs, it is put on the forehead with the thumb. After applying tilak, it is usually topped with a few grains of rice.

Since times immemorial, women have been applying tilak on their forehead, which is more popularly known as bindi. Women wear it for the sake of adorning themselves. Thus, it is more of a beauty mark for women in India. The traditional bindi was drawn as a single dot. However, today, there is an amazing variety of bindis available in the market, coming up in distinctive shapes and sizes. Married women wear another tilak between the parting of the hair just above the forehead, which is referred to as sindoor. It is an indication of the marital status.

HinduOFUniverse

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Tilak

Significance of Tilak

Types of Tilak