Tilak in Hinduism: Its Significance
In the beautiful and prominent symbols in Hindu culture is the mark known as ‘Tilak’ (OM being the other prominent symbol), a mark applied on the forehead. Tilak symbolizes different meanings for people of different gender, religion, region, etc., and the types and designs of tilak they wear. In this interaction with you I shall try and give to you maximum information about the tilak :
What is Tilak?
A ‘Tilak’ or ‘Tika’ may be a well-known word for my Indian friends, but for the sake of my friends from foreign countries I must mention here that tilak is ‘a distinctive spot of colored powder or paste worn on the forehead by Hindu men and women as a religious symbol’. Tika is a symbol of purity. The tilak is of a great spiritual consequence to Hindus as they offer this power to honor God and apply it in return in their forehead as a red dot after visiting temples.
It is also called tikli or sheether harr in Bengali, or tika or tilakam or tilak in Hindi, Sanskrit. In Nepal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other regions, the tilakam is called ‘teeka’ or ‘tika’ and is a mixture of sindoor, a red powder, yogurt, and grains of rice. The most common tilaks are red powder applied with the thumb, or sandalwood paste, in a single upward stroke.
Where should it be applied?
Tilak should be applied on the forehead between the brows; it is a point of immense power and piety. This spot is called the Ajna Chakra, the most important of the key seven chakras, energy centers of our body. The Ajna chakra is particularly sacred, as it is the point of confluence of the three main nadis — ida, pingala, and shusumna. Therefore, it is also reverentially called Triveni or Sangam.
As the center of all cosmic energy, this pivotal spot is known as guru sthan (site). Our consciousness resides here; it is also the dwelling place of our mind. Our entire body is controlled from here.
The mind is centered at this dhyan chakra during yoga meditation. The dhyan chakra represents our subconscious mind and all our thoughts. Focusing our attention on the Ajna chakra has a restful effect on the mind. Such is the power of this auspicious spot that even a restless mind can be trained to relax, simply by focusing on the Ajna chakra.
For all these reasons, great sanctity is attached to this spot on the forehead, and the tilak, bindi, or tika is rightfully applied here. Also, a tilak of Chandan, sandalwood paste, has an immediate calming effect.
You cannot bring the mind to a tranquil state just by applying tilak. But the tilak is a medium. It is a point of focus from where you can tap the incredible powers of the Ajna chakra.
Colors of Tilak signified different castes:
The colors of the Tilak too signified different castes like Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishnavs, and Shudras.
Ø Traditionally Brahmins applied ‘white’ Chandan (sandalwood) mark which denoted purity. They were also associated with jobs like teaching or as priests.
Ø Kshatriyas applied ‘red’ kumkum signifying bravery, as they belonged to the warrior race.
Ø Vaishyas applied ‘yellowish orange’ or ‘turmeric’ mark denoting wealth and abundance, as they were generally businessmen or traders.
Ø Shudra people applied a ‘black bhasma (ash) or ‘charcoal’ mark that represented the services they offered to all the above three castes.
Shapes:
Even the shapes of Tilak help you to identify the deity one worships. For example, a person worshipped Lord Vishnu applies a Chandan (sandalwood) tilak which is of ‘U’ shape; a person worshipping Lord Shiva will be seen wearing a Tripundra tilak of bhasma (ash) and so on. Tripundra consists of three horizontal lines on the forehead, usually with a dot made from the sacred ash, and has spiritual meaning in Shiva tradition within Hinduism.
A gesture of Greeting:
Tilak is considered to be sacred and auspicious in Hindu culture. Hindus use the Tilak ceremony, as a mark of honor and welcome to guests, something special or someone special. Atithi (guests) are always welcomed by applying a tilak between their eyebrows.
Tilak is always applied during prayer ceremonies, daily prayer rituals at home, and important events like marriages, birthdays, etc.
How to apply tilak:
Women generally apply tilak with the ‘ring finger’ along with Akshata (unbroken rice).
Men apply the tilak with the thumb along with unbroken rice grain (Akshata) which is mixed with red Chandan (sandalwood). Rice is considered a symbol of positivity. It is said that the use of rice in religious ceremonies gives positive energy. During the puja, grains of rice are applied to the tilak of Kumkum so that whatever negative energy is present around us is converted into positive energy.
If you use the Anamika finger or the Ring finger to apply tilak, it BRINGS PEACE to the brain. In addition, if you use the Madhyama or the middle finger for tilak, it grants a LONG LIFE to a person. Similarly, applying tilak with thumb or Angushtha is considered to give STRENGTH, and attaining salvation or MOKSHA is achieved by applying tilak with index finger or Tarjani. According to the Hindu religion, tilak should be applied with the use of Anamika or the ring finger for deity works, Madhyama or the middle finger for ancestral works and Kanika for sage works, and first finger for tantric works.
Benefits of Tilak:
The tilak or pottu cools the forehead, protects us, and prevents energy loss. The red dot or “Tilak” of varying sizes represents the third eye. In the past, tilaks were usually worn by gods, priests, ascetics, or worshippers, but is now a common practice for most Hindus.
It is said that applying Tilak on the forehead has a very positive effect on the personality and it increases self-confidence. At the same time, it is considered psychologically proven. Some of the other benefits of tilak are:
* Applying tilak every day on the forehead keeps the mind calm and it is said that people who put tilak on their foreheads every day have a calm feeling on their faces. At the same time, they are also physically healthy.
* It is said that tilak on the forehead negates the problems like sadness or stress as also it removes the problem of headaches.
* It has been observed that if turmeric tilak is applied on the forehead, it does not cause skin problems because turmeric is antiseptic and antibacterial. It is said that applying tilak on the forehead removes mental fatigue.
Tilak & Bindi
Although the terms tilaka and bindi overlap somewhat but are not synonymous. Among the major differences:
· A tilaka is always applied with paste or powder, whereas a bindi may be paste or jewel.
· A tilaka is usually applied for religious or spiritual reasons, or to honor a personage, event, or victory. A bindi can signify marriage, or be simply for decorative purposes.
· A bindi is worn only between the eyes, whereas a tilaka can also cover the face or other parts of the body. Tilaka can be applied to twelve parts of the body: head, forehead, neck, both upper-arms, both forearms, chest, both sides of the torso, stomach, and shoulder.
Another important aspect of tilak or tikka is the Bhai Dooj or the Bhaiya Dooj festival :
This festival is celebrated among Hindus of India, Nepal, and other countries on the second lunar day of the Shukla Paksha ( bright fortnight) of the Kartika month of the Hindu Vikram Samvat calendar.
The day holds special significance in the lives of a brother and a sister. It is an auspicious occasion that celebrates the strong bonding between the two. Sisters invite their brothers to visit their place and prepare the beloved dishes for them. Sisters also pray to God for the well-being and longevity of their brothers against all the evils and bad fortune. In return, brothers follow their responsibilities of caring and loving their sisters.
There is a unique understanding between a brother and a sister. They are the best friends of each other, protectors of each other, admirers of each other, secret sharers of each other, and have unconditional love for each other.
So, friends, we can see that applying tilak is a very significant part of Hindu culture and an imminent part of Hindu rituals. Tilak is the blessing of the Lord and is considered a protection against wrong tendencies and forces. It strengthens the command cycle resulting in happiness and peace. Applying tilak also keeps our forehead cool and prevents energy loss.
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