Introduction Tilak in Hinduism
People today believe that ancient Hindu rituals and customs are nothing more than irrational beliefs. This is untrue, though. We have a propensity to ignore the reality of customs and traditions and view them as intrusive. However, occasionally even we are surprised when we conduct some scientifically based research. These traditions not only have religious value but also scientific significance, according to scientific studies.
Any ritual or puja begins with a priest or one of our elders applying a Tilak to our foreheads. We all enjoy that, I guess. gives us the impression that we are royalty. However, did you know that applying a tilak has several scientific advantages in addition to its aesthetic ones? Along with its great importance in religion, putting a tilak is beneficial also in some aspects of science. Tilak has all the capabilities, starting from decreasing body heat to reducing the wastage of energy. Tilak can be beneficial in both religion and science.
What makes people put thilak on their foreheads?
Worn by individuals, a tilak is a badge of faith. These further release one from the world of the physical. According to Atharvana Upanishad, a person who applies tilak like the lotus feet of Lord Krishna attains nearness to Paramatma or Supreme Self. According to Brahmaratra, vertical tilak can guide to sayujya Moksa. Applying Tilak is from the Sanathana Dharm.
Tilak is among those external symbols that are quite distinctive and conspicuous in Hindu culture in our beautiful motherland India. That is why it is placed on the forehead. The tilaks come in different designs, colors, and ingredients. People of different genders, religions, sects, and regions have different meanings attached to them.
Although the origin is unknown, tilak has been used for centuries. Even the color of the tilak depicts various castes like Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, etc., as per ancient texts.
Typically the people of the Brahmin varna apply a white chandan mark, which denotes purity, and it’s usually their job teaching or being priests. People belonging to Kshatriya varna applied red kumkum marks signifying bravery, as they belonged to the warrior race: Vaishya, usually traders and businessmen, applied yellowish orange or turmeric marks, a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The Shudras applied ‘black baseman or markings of Kasturi or charcoal that symbolize their duties to serve the three varnas.
Tilak also has various shapes that help to distinguish the deity one serves. For example, a devotee of Lord Vishnu has the “U” shape of Chandan tilak, a devotee wears Tripundra tilak made by Bhasma, if he/she worships Lord Shiva, and so on.
Kumkum or Sindhoor is a small round and red colored mark that married Hindu women in India often apply on their forehead or between the eyebrows, at the parting of the hair.
In Hindu culture, Tilak is seen as a sacred and sacred symbol. When a guest arrives, tilak is applied between the eyebrows. Tilak is placed on the forehead, during daily prayer rituals performed at home and important events such as marriage, birthday parties, baby showers, etc. Women usually apply tilak with the ring finger along with Akshata (grain of unbroken rice). Men apply the Tilak using their thumbs along with a powder of unsweetened rice grains (Akshat) that is mixed with red chandan. This may hold some value as it is believed that the ring finger is related to the heart chakra and love and the thumb to the root chakra and stability.
Tilak is mostly applied on the forehead together with the neck, hands, and the chest. Tilak made from the natural substances should be used. Synthetic alternatives might not be healthy for our skin or our entire body. Items of tilak include sandalwood, turmeric, gomaya, charcoal, vermilion, and ashes of yagnas or vibhuti. It can be used using one’s hand or metal strips. The advantages of using Tilak with fingers vary. For example, it may bring peace to a person when used with the ring finger and increase life span when used with the middle finger. Besides that, the benefits of applying tilak in others are numerous.
The purpose behind the forehead tilak.
We usually put tilak on top of our head at the spot where our Third Eye is. This enables a person to enter the world of Brahman through the Third Eye point. According to the Tantras, three of our nadis meet in the forehead. The application of tilak on the forehead enhances our thinking power and concentrativeness. And it eases our minds as well. Tilak is a sacred sign for sadhus and devout individuals. It facilitates the resurrection of a soul.
The advantages and importance of using tilak.
It is good when tilak is applied and it signifies the importance of a religious act. Most devotees of Lord Krishna have a mark on their forehead known as Tilak. According to the Vaishnava Sampradaya, the tilak serves as an ornament to please the Lord. In Shaiva tradition, the ash of the fire of the yajna is used to make tilaka for disciples. The ashes that Adhi Yogis collect from cremation grounds are used by them. Householders on their part, depend upon the ash from burning cow dung, sesame seed, and rice brown. This application can make us more receptive and also help us concentrate on higher things in life.
The use of several tilaks has additional advantages.
- The application of sandalwood paste on the forehead results in a refreshing relief. Drying it gains the support of our Agnya Chakra. It also stimulates the pituitary and pineal gland. When you apply the paste during meditation or chanting, it helps improve concentration. Sandalwood tilak helps to relieve stress and cure headaches effectively.
- Using vermilion gives one a great feeling within and also gives him or her enough courage to handle various situations. It also enhances concentration which leads to an awakening of psychic abilities.
- Similarly, using turmeric for producing tilak purifies our skin together with antibacterial properties. It also helps to calm the mind and increase self-confidence.
Various tilak types:
Different types of tilaks are applied by different groups of people. In this regard, it is determined by their religion. The devotees of Lord Krishna put tilaks on their foreheads to express their devotion. The Vaishnava Sampradaya is divided into Brahma Sampradaya, Kumara Sampradaya, Rudhra Sampradaya, and Sri Sampradaya.
- Brahma Sampradaya –Madhva, Gaudiya.
In Madhva Sampradaya, you can represent the lotus feet of Lord Krishna with Gopichandana received from Dwarka by drawing two vertical lines. Draw a black line between these two lines using the ashes of the Yajna coal between them.
With mud obtained from Vrindavan, you can draw two vertical lines in Gaudiya Sampradaya. These resemble the lotus feet of Lord Krishna. You can connect these two lines at the tip of your nose in the form of a Tulsi leaf, which is Lord Krishna’s favorite.
- Tilak of Gopichandana in here, Kumara Sampradaya. You can start applying from the bridge of your nose and then continue with two vertical lines that form a U shape on your forehead. The dot can be made black by taking the collected slate from Barsana and placing it in the center. It shows that both Krishna and Radha are present.
- A single vertical line is the one-line tilak of Rudhra Sampradaya. An application of Kumkum makes the tilak to be red showing Yamuna Devi’s picture. The Rudhra Sampradaya worships Lord Krishna as Govardhana.
- Sri Sampradaya – Here, you can draw two lines with anthill white mud. You can also utilize the dirt from a tulsi plant’s base. They are both considered pure. You can draw a red line through the center with the red stones from the anthills. It is a symbol of Lakshmi Devi.
In conclusion
Tilak application has a long history in Hindu dharma. The use of Yajna ash in Shaivism has something to do with the portrayal of mortality. It also demonstrates the futility of clinging to transient materialistic parts of life. Your Agnya Chakra may become awakened by applying tilak on your Third Eye, which will make it easier for you to unite with the Absolute Self. A tilak can make both your religious and your spiritual path more pure.
