One of the most visible external symbols of Hindu identity is the mark that many of us wear on our forehead. This is called tilak, pottu or...
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 Worshippers
of Lord Vishnu wear a Chandan (sandalwood paste) Tilak of the shape of
“U.” Vertical lines usually represent Vaishnava devotees. Lord Shiva
worshippers apply a three horizontal line bhasma or sacred ash.
Horizontal lines represent Shaiva devotees. Worshippers of Devi or the
female goddess apply a red dot of kumkum. A red tika is widely applied
during pujas on devotees by priests.
The wearing of a mark on the
forehead is a unique feature associated with Hinduism. Basically, the
wearing of Tika invokes a feeling of sacredness on the wearer and on the
people with whom the wearer comes into contact. Tilak, or Tika, is also
a religious symbol and they reveal the particular God worshipped by the
wearer.
The tilak worn by Hindu priests have more significance.
It represents the particular school of thought or Sampradaya he
represents. The lines and the color used by priests vary from region to
region and from sect to sect.
The area in which the mark is
applied is between the eyebrows, called the “Ajna Chakra”. This is the
point that most schools of Hinduism consider the entry and exit point of
our jivaatma (soul). The tilak also represents our third eye (the
spiritual eye) a concept closely related to Lord Shiva.
This Ajna
Chakra area is often citied as the seat of thinking, concentration and
memory. It is also the area which gets heated during stress and tension.
Applying the tilak has a cooling effect, aids concentration and
signifies our eternal link with the Supreme Being, known as the Brahman
(absolute).
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.
It is also said that the
chandan or bhasma cools the forehead and the spot between the eyebrows,
which is known to generate heat during stress and tension. It is also
known to prevent energy loss.
The most famous Indian mark on the
forehead is the Bindu or Bindi worn by females and it has is part of
makeup. The red dot applied on the top of the forehead (near the hair)
is the mark of a married female.
The dot or bindi Pronounced as 'Bin Dee', the word
bindi is derived from the Sanskrit word bindu, which means "drop". Bindi
is an auspicious ornamental mark worn by Hindu girls and women on their
forehead between the two eyes . Bindi is arguably the most visually
fascinating in all form of body decoration. More than a beauty spot, the
manga tika (bindi) indicates good omen and purity.
Considered a
symbol of Goddess Parvati, a bindi signifies female energy and is
believed to protect women and their husbands. Traditionally a symbol of
marriage, it has also become decorative and is worn today by unmarried
girls and women as well.
No longer restricted in colour or shape,
bindis are seen in many bright colours and in different shapes and
designs. They are also made of coloured felt and embellished with
coloured glass or glitter.
The vermilion, used to make bindis, is
called ‘sindoor or ‘sindoora’ meaning red and representing Shakti or
strength. Bindi also stands up for love; the red dot on the forehead
gives a special charm to the lady’s face that attracts her lover.
Sindoor and yellow turmeric are kept in temples and during celebrations,
as a good omen. This represents intellect and is very special in
temples dedicated to Hindu Gods Shakti, Lakshmi and Vishnu.
One
day as Sri Jankidevi, wife of Lord Rama, was adorning the part of her
hair with sindur, Hanumanji asked her, "Mata, why do you put this red
thing on your head?" Smiling at Hanumanji’s curiosity, Sri Sitaji
replied, "By applying this my swami [husband] lives long." Because
Hanumanji is a Parma-bhakta of Sri Ram, he thought that if a pinch of
sindur could make his master’s life long, a whole lot of it would make
him live longer. So he rubbed it all over his gigantic body!
Bindi can be called:
Tikli in Marathi
Pottu in Tamil and Malayalam
Tilak in Hindi
Chandlo in Gujarati
Bottu or Tilakam (in Telugu)
Bottu or Tilaka (in Kannada)
Teep (meaning "a pressing") (in Bengali)
Nande
is a term erroneously used to describe the bindi in Malaysia. It may
contain pejorative connotations although not in most cases.
The fingers used for applying tilak are as follows:
At the base of the little finger is Mercury, at the base of the ring-finger is Sun, at the base of the middle finger is Saturn, at the base of the index finger is Jupiter and at the base of the thumb is Venus. Tilak applied with the ring finger and the thumb is beneficial. The Sun represents firmness, brilliance, honour, respect and faith. These are the blessings achieved by applying tilak with the ring finger. Venus is a life and health giving force, the creator of life, the bestower of gentility and politeness. This is achieved by applying tilak with the thumb.
Women should use the ring finger for applying bindi, which should be made of unbroken rice grains. Men should also use unbroken rice grains (akshat) mixed in red chandan and apply the tilak with the thumb. The unbroken rice grains symbolise steadfastness and firmness of the brain and are also a symbol of peace.
The holy scriptures of Hindu advocate the importance to Tilak on a forehead in the below line:
The scriptures say: "A
forehead without a Tilak, a woman without a husband, a Mantra the
meaning of which is not known while doing Japa (recitation), the head
that does not bend before holy personages, a heart without mercy, a
house without a well, a village without a temple, a country without a
river, a society without a leader, wealth that is not given away in
charity, a preceptor without a disciple, a country without justice, a
king without an able minister, a woman not obedient to her husband, a
well without water, a flower without smell, a soul devoid of holiness, a
field without rains, an intellect without clearness, a disciple who
does not consider his preceptor as a form of God, a body devoid of
health, a custom (Achar) without purity, austerity devoid of
fellow-feeling, speech in which truth is not the basis, a country
without good people, work without wages, Sannyasa without renunciation,
legs that have not performed pilgrimages, determination unaided by
Viveka or discrimination, a knife which is blunt, a cow that does not
give milk, a spear without a point- all these are worthy of
condemnation. They exist for name´s sake only."
According to the Brahmanda Purana,
the colours and manner of application of the tilak are significant: "A
black Tilak will derive peace; a red Tilak will bring obedience and
control; a yellow one will bring wealth; one which is white will deliver
devotion to Vishnu; a Tilak of correct size, marked using one’s fingers
will offer the god’s support and blessing; a Tilak in the centre of the
forehead will bring youth and long life; the Chandlo made using the
third finger (Anamika) will deliver joy; and a bounded Tilak will
ultimately bring salvation".
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