Tilak, Bindi, or Pottu—Scientific or Just a Symbol of Beauty
Contd…from: http://www.oneworldnews.com/lets-understand-and-start-living-hinduism-vii/
Tilak is considered as a mark of purity, divinity, valor, prosperity and faith in Hinduism.The form and color of the Tilak depends on the lord worshiped and one’s caste. The Tilak is applied during the prayers.
Tilak Purpose
White sandal wood purity
Red Kumkum Valour, blessing for victory
Turmeric prosperity
Those who worship Lord Vishnu, also known as Vaishnavites, apply a “U” shaped sandal wood Tilak. Those who worship Lord Shiva, also known as Shivaites, apply the ash obtained by performing Homa. This ash is called Vibhuthi and those who worship different goddesses use kumkum as Tilak.
Each of the four castes applies a different tilak:
Caste Tilak Type
The Brahmin white chandan signifying purity
The Kshatriya a red kumkum
The Vaishya yellow kesar or turmeric signifying prosperity
The Shudra black bhasma or kasturi
The tilak is applied between the eyebrows on the third eye chakra or Ajana Chakra. Thinking is done from this point. The third eye chakra continuously radiates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves.
We apply the tilakwhile praying to God and this tilak reminds us of God throughout the day. This is also a shield against wrong tendencies and it also reflects back the black energies or the energies that are other than good for us.
The tilakkeeps our forehead cool and hence increases the concentration power and thought process.
