Why do we apply Tilak on our Forehead? Types and significance of Tilak

Applying Tilak or Tika on the forehead is considered very auspicious in Sanatana dharma. Hindus not only apply Tilak in auspicious occasions like weddings and Pooja rituals but also at the time of welcoming any guest or going out for any important task. It is a good practice to wear Tilak daily except during sad occasions like death in the family.

What is Tilak?

Tilak is a mark made on the forehead-sometimes on arms, neck, chest-with varieties of natural substances like Chandan (sandalwood powder) paste, Kumkum (Vermillion), Vibhuti.

Vibhuti/Bhasm: Vibhuti is the Ashes gathered from the sacred fire of yajna. The ashes contain many beneficial herbs which are burnt in the sacred fire and the power of the mantra chanted during yajna.

Chandan (Sandalwood): The paste of Sandalwood (Chandan) is applied to give a cooling effect to the applied area.

Kumkum Tilak: Kumkum is turmeric powder, turned red by adding lime to it. It contains all the healing benefits of Turmeric.

Spiritual and Scientific significance of applying Tilak on the forehead.

Applying Tilak on the forehead is not just a cultural or spiritual belief but one with a scientific background.

1)     Indication of Sectarian Affiliation:

In Hinduism, different sects, such as Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism wear different types of Tilaks.

The Upanishads explain the symbolism behind different types of Tilaks.

Followers of Shiva wear Tripundra: Tilak formed by three horizontal parallel lines. These lines symbolize various Triads.

·       Three sacred fires: Garhapatya, Dakshinagni, and Ahavaniya.

·       Three divine triads: Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh.

·       Three syllables in OM: A U M

·       Three Gunas: Satva, Rajas, Tamas.

·       Three worlds: (Trailokya): Swarga, Prithvi, Nark.

·       Three types of Atman (self): the external self (body), the inner self (individual soul), and the highest self (The Brahman, Paramatma, Purusha)

·       First three Vedas- Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda.

·       Three states of consciousness: awake, dream sleep, deep sleep.

·       Three realities: Maya, Brahman, and Atman.

·       Three powers in oneself – Kriya (action), Ichha (will), Jnana (knowledge)

·       The three bodies: Sthula, Sukshma, and Karana.

2)     INDICATION OF CASTE

In earlier times, the four castes of Hindus -Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra used to wear different types of Tilak.

CAST                                    TYPE OF TILAK                              SYMBOL

Brahmin                           White Sandalwood                              Purity    

Kshatriya                          Red Kumkum (Vermillion)               Valour

Vaishya                             Yello Haldi (turmeric) or Safron       Prosperity

Shudra                              Black Bhasma or Charcoal              Service

3)     Symbolises Reverence

Hindu dharma perceives every creation as the manifestation of the supreme lord. The human body is also considered a temple of the lord. Thus Tilak is put to give reverence to the divine power within. Applying Tilak is a part of the Vedic ritual -Nyasa in which various parts of the body, including the forehead, are touched with a mantra chanting to locate the divine within. So, Tilak is applied to worship and show our gratitude to the lord in us.

4)     Energising the Ajna Chakra:

Tilak is applied on the forehead between the brows. It isa point of immense power. Our body’s most important Chakra (energy centre), the Ajna Chakra is situated here. This point is the confluence of the three main Nadis,

·       Ida (controls all the mental processes)

·       Pingla (controls all the vital processes)

·       Sushumna (awakens spiritual consciousness)

       Agya/Ajna Chakra (The third eye Chakra) is associated with awareness and alertness and is usually activated when one wishes to follow spiritual

      Disciplines. During meditation, we give attention to this Chakra to increase focus and concentration. When applying Tilak in the mid-brow region,

      vibrations emanating from the “third eye” are carried by it to the heart, thereby generating from the “third eye” are carried by it to the heart, thereby

      generating devotion and Bhaava (spiritual emotion) in the mind throughout the day and imparting shanti (serenity).

5)     Shielding from negative energies:

The third eye represents our subconscious mind and various thought processes. It is the centre of all cosmic energy. Negative energy in the form of negative thoughts enters our body through this Chakra. Tika is believed to prevent loss of energy.

When Tilak is applied, the negative energy is blocked from entering the body. Similarly, it prevents the positive energy from leaving the body. The Tilak is applied with some of the bhasmas protect us from the radiations and shields the brain. It is also a reminder to the wearer that one day our body will become ash.

6)     Medical reasons:

·       Cures sinusitis: Medically the joint also has a nerve (trigeminal) which when squeezed clears sinuses by increasing the blood circulation to the nose.

·       Stimulates the pineal gland: Massaging this spot by applying Tilak just stimulates the Pineal gland. The Pineal gland controls the internal body clock of the body. Stimulation of this gland helps in curing insomnia, stress and anxiety.

·       Applying Chandan (Sandalwood) tilak in this region gives a cooling effect to the nerves beneath. It also relieves headaches.

       Compiled by

       VIKAS Pralhad Deshpande

       M. E Civil, Structural Consultant

      Vastu and Feng Shui Consultant

      0434681647, deshpandevikas@gmail.com