Applying tilak on forehead is a common ritual amongst the Hindus. But this comes with a reason behind it. This ritual is in practice for ages and decades. So in the following article, let’s dig deeper and try to understand the significance of tilak and its importance.
What Is a Tilak?
Tilak is something that one applies on a particular spot on the face. This spot lies between our eyebrows, I.e. the Ajna chakra which is the seat of all human thoughts and memories. And while applying the tilak on forehead, one prays, ‘I remember the Almighty; may pious feelings pervade in all my activities; may I be righteous in my deeds.’
What Does Tilak on Forehead Do?
The tilak thus seeks the Almighty’s blessings, and it serves as a guard against all the negative forces. It is a traditional scientific fact that the entire human body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. In fact, the Ajna chakra does this all the more vigorously. That is why when one is tense or anxious, a great deal of body heat emerges that gives one a headache.
The Biological Perspective around Applying Tilak on Forehead?
Our great seers and saints were the ones to recognize and give heed to the biological perspective thousands of years ago. They, therefore, came up with a method to safeguard this spot on the forehead as also to prevent loss of energy. After intense survey 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 also remain calm, at peace and controlled, with no undue energy loss. This is the biological significance of tilak.
The Spiritual Significance of Tilak on Forehead
However, there is a spiritual significance of tilak as well. Believe it or not, the tilak invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and in the onlooker. It is evaluated as a religious mark. Similarly, its shape and colour vary according to one’s caste, religious sect, and the deity one worships.
The Differences in The Varnas
In ancient times, the four castes or the car as Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Sudra we are the ones to apply the tilak on forehead. And they did it differently. Yes, you heard that right!
- Brahmins were the ones to apply the white sandalwood tilak. This was an act of symbolizing purity, as their vocation was priestly and academic.
- Kshatriyas often used red Kumkum. This was 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 on forehead of sandalwood paste along with Kesar or turmeric. The colour yellow signifies wisdom and foresight, which are essential for business acumen.
- Also, the Sudras wore a tilak of black bhasma or ash or charcoal. This indicated service as they supported the work of the other three classes.
- Further, the Vaishnavites wore a Chandan tilak on forehead in ‘U’ shape. Whereas Shaivites have a tripundra or three horizontal lines across the forehead drawn with bhashma. Devi worshippers (or Shakthas) apply a red dot of kumkum.
To conclude, now you know the real meaning and the significance of tilak, don’t you? Make sure you keep this at the back of your mind whenever performing such rituals. At that moment, it will make things completely different. Different in only the better sense!
