Here’s Why We Apply Tilak On Our Forehead: Meaning And Benefits
Last Updated on February 1, 2023
The use of tilak or the mark on one’s forehead is practiced by several communities in India. It is usually made from sandalwood paste, ash, or a combination of clay and vermillion as well as other natural substances that can be used for this purpose (e.g., kumkum, aloe vera, birch bark, etc.). While the reasons behind practicing this may vary from one community to another, its significance remains the same.
Being a part of traditional Indian culture and rituals, the significance of tilak has been handed down from generation to generation. This article takes you through the various meanings and significance of tilak. Read this article till the end to find out why people apply Tilak on forehead.
Reason Behind Applying Tika Or Tilak On Forehead
For Hindus, the tilak holds immense religious significance. It has great power and piety when applied between the eyebrows. Our body has seven major chakras.
These energy centers, or chakras, provide considerable power. Converging at the Ajna chakra are the Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna, making it a very holy location. As a result, it is sometimes referred to with reverence as Triveni or Sangam. This spiritually powerful “third eye” helps one focus on the Divine. Thus, tilak is applied on the Ajna chakra to call divine energy and remind one of life’s purpose.
In addition to its religious significance, Tilak is applied to the forehead because it is believed that the Divine dwells within each of us, making our bodies sacred temples of God that must be treated with respect.
Putting on tilak decorates this temple and reminds one that the human body is a precious instrument that allows one to meditate and aggressively pursue spiritual goals.
Significance Of Colors And Shapes Of Tilak
Not only there’s a meaning and reason behind applying Tilak on the forehead, but the color and the shapes of Tilak also hold meaning.
Although tilak has been used since ancient times, its origin is unknown. According to ancient literature, tilak colours represent Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra classes.
For centuries, members of the Brahmin varna (caste) have marked themselves with a white Chandan (sandalwood) dot to signify their purity and to indicate that they are qualified for or have traditionally held positions such as teachers or priests.
As warriors, Kshatriyas marked themselves with red kumkum.
Since most members of the Vaishya varna worked in commerce, its members traditionally marked themselves with a golden orange or turmeric symbolizing prosperity.
Shudras used black bhasma (ash), Kasturi, or charcoal to symbolize their duties to the three castes.
In fact, you can tell which god a person worships just by looking at their tilak, as different styles and shapes represent different deities. For instance, devotees of Vishnu wear a U-shaped tilak made of Chandan, whereas those of Shiva are known to sport Tripundra tilaks made of Bhasma.
Science Behind Applying Tilak
It is said that a tilak may keep one’s energy from escaping and can be used to modulate one’s focus. Applying this presses the mid-brow and Ajna-chakra points, which increases face muscle blood flow.
It is also believed scientifically that the forehead, which generates heat owing to the churning of thoughts, must be kept cool by using Tilak or Tika. When applied to the forehead, sandalwood paste instantly calms and cools the mind, which helps a person to control his rage and be calm in various situations.
FAQs
What Is the Purpose of The Tilak?
A Tilak between the eyebrows is believed to store energy and control concentration. Historically, a Tilak’s colour was utilised as a marker of one’s caste; white Tilak was worn by Brahmans, while red was worn by Kshatriyas.
When Should We Wear Tilak?
Tilak is not time-specific, however, it is traditionally applied after a shower, when the skin is clean and dry. Tilak is traditionally worn by Hindus on special occasions, such as when performing puja, visiting a temple, or celebrating a holiday.
Which Finger Should Use To Apply a Tilak?
Tilak is applied to the forehead with the ring finger. Surya Kshetra, also known as Surya Parvat, is the spot on the palm directly under the ring finger. So, by applying Tilak on one’s face with the ring finger, one is bringing the energy of the Sun, Surya, into one’s life.
