The starting point of all the shapes and forms is a point.
Geometry describes the point as one, which has no dimensions, but it still
exists. A dot or point is the seed of language expressed by sound, so it is the
finale of the highest attainment. A dot or point is the adobe of the Shiva and
Shakti. Ancient Indians had an indomitable urge to communicate his thoughts and
so symbols were developed.
Similar group of men and women adopted different types of
Tilak or linear symbols, which were further, segregated fro man and woman to
wear on their body to denote their sect and ideology. As without the worship of
Sri Ganesh no work in Sanatan Dharma should begin. Likewise, no religious work
should begin without a Tilak on the forehead. A deep study of human anatomy
reveals that the forehead is the best place for applying Tilak.
Tilak is a mark of
auspiciousness. It is put on the forehead with sandal paste, sacred ashes or
kumkum (red turmeric). The devotees of Siva apply sacred ashes (Bhasma) on the
forehead, the devotees of Vishnu apply sandal paste (Chandan), and the
worshippers of Devi or Shakti apply Kumkum, a red turmeric powder.
The
wearing of a mark on the forehead is a unique feature associated with Hinduism.
There are no strict common rules regarding the drawing of mark on the forehead
in Hindu religion. Basically, the wearing of Tika or Tilak invokes a
feeling of sacredness on the wearer and on the people with whom the wearer
comes into contact. Tilak is a religious symbol and it reveals the particular
God worshipped by the wearer.
The
tilak worn by Hindu priests have more significance. It represents the
particular school of thought or Sampradaya he represents. The lines and the
color used by priests vary from region to region and from sect to sect.
Tilak is applied at, the space between the two eyebrows. It
has a very cooling effect. Application of Tilak has great scientific value,
apart from the spiritual influence. Rishis declared that
the junction of the nose-root and the meeting point of the eyebrows is the most
sensitive part of the body. The Agya-
chakra, or Wheel of wisdom, is located here and so is a vulnerable spot,
which must be kept, warm and protected. And it is also considered to be the seat of
memory and thinking. There are thirteen places on the human body where Tilak
can be placed. However, it is only on the forehead that it is noble. The head
is the summit of the body with the brain being the axis of the entire body.
The most popular forms
used or a dot, or a “U” shape or a
trident shape or 3 horizontal lines with a dot at the center called Tripund on
the forehead and forearms. The wearers are advised by the rishis to use a
mixture of vermillion, lime, turmeric, saffron, musk, agar, sandal and ash for
men and sindur or vermillion on their skull-center for the women, to provide
warmth to the pineal and pituitary glands located near the thalamus.
The bindi is declared to be
very helpful for the good health of the brain, eyes, ears and the nose because
these applications maintain a fine pull on the veins and nerves underneath the
forehead, nose-root and forearm’s skin to monitor proper flow of blood. The
forebrain controls the decision making part of the brain. In acupressure
methods it is considered to be the most sensitive part of the body responsible
for alertness and hence the use of Bindi for the forehead is justified.
It is also said that the
chandan or bhasma cools the forehead and the spot between the eyebrows, which
is known to generate heat during stress and tension. It is also known to
prevent energy loss.
Thus, Tilak is considered as the sacred religious
mark. It not only has the science behind, it also stands for its importance in
today’s scenario. Followed by every Indian and marked its significance in the
Hindu rituals.
