Spiritual Significance Of Applying Tilak On The Forehead

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Tilak on the forehead of a woman, may seem to evoke different opinions amongst different people depending on their preference and attitudes, But surely it commands respect from the onlookers for the person who wears it. It gives an instant glow or aura to the face which any one can notice. We have plenty of Kumkum varieties as well as sandalwood paste varieties to choose from. A tilak of Roli and Sandalwood paste is usually applied. During past centuries, the queens used to apply Kumkum on the foreheads of their husbands, before they readied themselves for warfare. The blessings that these kings used to get from everyone, used to infuse fresh bursts of energy and enthusiasm in them to win the war.

Types Of Tilak

Sandalwood tilak is of various types such as Harichandan, Gopi chandan, Shweta Chandan, Raktha Chandan, Gomati Chandan and Gokul Chandan.

Significance Of Tilak Or Kumkum

The forehead is said to be the centre point of the face which rules the area of intuition and spirituality in a person. The moment you press this point on the forehead while sticking the Kumkum makes you feel relaxed as this area gets activated. It is believed that applying sandalwood tilak on the forehead is beneficial in relieving sins, protects from all obstacles in life and bestows them the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Wearing Tilak or Kumkum eliminates your sins. A married woman has to wear it as it protects her husband's longevity.

It protects from evil eyes or buri nazar from people. It also keeps negative energies at bay. It calms down the malefic planetary influences. It enhances the powers of intuition. Sometimes, people apply the tilak on their neck. This is to improve the power of expression. The sixth chakra, or the third eye is in the centre of the forehead between the eyebrows and it is considered as a channel that connects you with the divine. Kumkum placed here on this point will increase your receptivity to the divine.

What Are Tilaks Made Of?

We should mainly apply tilak in front of the deity of the God while worshiping in a temple. Turmeric provides health, the aura and dispels negative energies. The Kumkum powder is made of turmeric and lime and this has a deeply positive impact on the wearer. But these days, kumkums are made with chemicals or plastic bindis are used instead. By using plastic, according to Sadhguru, you close the third eye and the impact is miserably reduced. You could wear Vibhuti or Kumkum or turmeric; it has its impact on your spirit. Temples have intense pranic vibrations which we fail to receive because we are not receptive. So vibhuti and Kumkum are given as these have an ability to absorb the energy from the temple atmosphere so that you can imbibe it

Tripundra Concept

Tilak is worn in different ways and styles. It is actually made of ash, sandalwood, vermillion, clay, or turmeric, which is not only worn on the forehead but also on different parts of the body according to the spiritual lineage one comes from. The shape of the Tilak and ingredients used to make a tilak differ from lineage to lineage.

Shaivites apply three horizontal lines of vibhuti, a sacred white ash. The vibhuti is made of burnt dried wood and is called Tripundra. In the centre of the Tripundra, they wear a Kumkum. Vaishnavas (worshippers of Vishnu) usually apply tilak using sandalwood, or clay, or a mixture of both. They apply two vertical lines, that meet at the bridge of the nose to form a U or Y shape which is termed as urdhva pundra.
Shaktas (worshippers of Devi ) use kumkum to either draw a single red vertical line or nama, or just a red dot, to symbolize the power of Shakti. Anyone can wear a Tilak.

When To Wear Tilak

Although any one can wear Tilak, the most important thing to be kept in mind is that, you represent a spiritual lineage when you have worn it and you must follow the precepts at least in essence. There is no time constraint for wearing Tilak. After bathing, is the best time to wear it. You can also wear it when you visit a temple, or attend a traditional social gathering or a spiritual discourse or while visiting guests in their homes. In some cultures, people apply tilak on the forehead of a dead person or one who is just about to pass away. This is to ensure them a smooth passage into the other realm.

Disclaimer: The information is based on assumptions and information available on the internet and the accuracy or reliability is not guaranteed. Boldsky does not confirm any inputs or information related to the article and our only purpose is to deliver information. Kindly consult the concerned expert before practising or implementing any information and assumption.