Tilaka+Bindi

We all know the colourful marks on the foreheads of Indians. Some have a spiritual and others a decorative function

The Tilaka

Has a spiritual significance and is a mark created by the application of powder or paste on the forehead. Tilakas are vertical markings worn by Vaishnavites (a sect of Hinduism). The Vaishnava tilaka consists of a long vertical marking starting from just below the hairline to almost the end of one's nose tip. It is intercepted in the middle by an elongated U. There may be two marks on the temples as well. This tilaka is traditionally made with sandalwood paste.

The other major tilaka variant is often worn by the followers of Shiva. It consists of three horizontal bands across the forehead with a single vertical band or circle in the middle. This is traditionally done with sacred ash from fire sacrifices. This variant is the more ancient of the two and shares many common aspects with similar markings worn across the world.

These lines, represent Shiva's threefold power of will, knowledge, and action.

By Robert Vane Russell (1873-1915)

Different Hindu traditions use different materials and shapes to make the tilaka

Using Vibhuti (ash) in three horizontal lines across the forehead. Along with the three horizontal lines, a dot of sandalwood paste or a dot of red vermillion in the centre completes the Tilaka

A Tilak with vermillion, clay, sandalwood paste, or the latter two mixed. The material is applied in two vertical lines, which may be connected at the bottom, forming a simple U shape, often with an additional vertical red marking in the shape of a basil leaf inside the U shape.

Using kumkuma, or powdered red turmeric, one vertical line or dot is drawn

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Honourary Tilakas- Raja tilaka and Vira tilaka, are usually applied as a single vertical red line. Raja tilaka will be used while enthroning kings or inviting prominent personalities. Vira tilaka is used to anoint victors or leaders after a war or a game.

Cultural Applications:

Christians in India use Tilaka, both to mark special occasions and during their worship rites. Although converted to Christianity many maintain and enjoy regional cultural practices.

Hindus use the Tilaka ceremony, as a mark of honour and welcome to guests, something special or someone special. It may also be used to mark idols at the start of a Worship or Puja, to mark a rock or tree before it is cut or removed from its original place for artisan work, or a new piece of property.

The Bindi

A bindi meaning "point, drop, dot or small particle" is a coloured dot worn in the centre of the forehead, originally by Hindus and Jains from the Indian subcontinent.

Traditionally, the area between the eyebrows (where the bindi is placed) is said to be the sixth chakra, Ajna, the seat of "concealed wisdom". The bindi is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration.

A traditional bindi is red or maroon in colour. A pinch of vermilion powder is applied with a ring finger to make a dot. A small annular disc aids application for beginners.

Wearing a bindi is a sign of Hindu women. The traditional bindi still represents and preserves the symbolic significance that is integrated into Indian mythology in many parts of India.

n addition to the bindi, in India, a vermilion mark in the parting of the hair just above the forehead is worn by married women as a commitment to the long life and well-being of their husbands. During all Hindu marriage ceremonies, the groom applies sindoor in the part in the bride's hair.

Credits

Wikipedia