Why Do Hindus Put a Tilak on Their Forehead?

                             

        Why Do Hindus Put a Tilak on Their Forehead?




  


Tilak is applied on the spot that lies between our eyebrows—the ajna chakra—which is the seat of all human thoughts and past memories. While applying the tilak, one prays, ‘I remember the Almighty; may pious feelings pervade in all my activities; may I be righteous in my deeds.’ The tilak thus seeks the Almighty’s blessings, and serves as a guard against negative forces.

It is an established scientific fact that the entire human body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. Ajna chakra does so all the more vigorously. That is why when one is tense or anxious, a great deal of body heat is generated that gives one a headache. This biological fact was realized by our great seers and saints thousands of years ago They, therefore, devised a method to safeguard this spot on the forehead as also to prevent loss of energy. After intense study and research, they found that sandalwood or chandan paste, turmeric and kesar or saffron are quite effective if applied on the ajna chakra. The individual will remain calm and controlled, with no undue energy loss.

However, there is a spiritual explanation too. The tilak invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and also in the onlooker. It is considered a religious mark, and its shape and colour varies according to one’s caste, religious sect and the deity one worships.

In ancient times, the four castes or varnas—Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra—applied the tilak differently. Brahmins applied the white sandalwood tilak, symbolizing purity, as their vocation was priestly and academic in nature. Kshatriyas applied red kumkum—a mixture of turmeric and lemon juice or lime signifying valour since they belonged to the warrior class. The colour red denotes valour and hyperactivity. Vaishyas wore a yellow tilak of sandalwood paste mixed with kesar or turmeric; the colour yellow signifies wisdom and foresight, which are essential for business acumen. Sudras wore a tilak of black bhasma or ash or charcoal, indicating service as they supported the work of the other three classes.

Further, Vaishnavites wear a chandan tilak in ‘U’ shape, whereas Shaivities have a tripundra or three horizontal lines across the forehead drawn with bhashma. Devi worshippers (or Shakthas) apply a red dot of kumkum  

                                                                                         

                                                                                       

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