Maniam PS [Guru] Reward Points : 137200 Member Since : Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tilak worn by Hindu women on the forehead - what does it signify?
Posted On : 3/25/2009 11:01:17 PM
Maniam PS [Guru] Reward Points : 137200 Member Since : Wednesday, March 18, 2009
A bindi from Sanskrit bindu, meaning a drop, small particle, dot is a forehead decoration worn in South Asia particularly India 1 and Southeast Asia. Traditionally it is a dot of red color applied in the center of the forehead close to the eyebrows, but it can also consist of a sign or piece of jewelry worn at this location The area between the eyebrows where the bindi is placed is said to be the sixth chakra, ajna, the seat of concealed wisdom . According to followers of Tantrism, this chakra is the exit point for kundalini energy. The bindi is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration. 3 It is also said to protect against demons or bad luck In 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 symbol of their married status. During North Indian marriage ceremonies, the groom applies sindoor on the parting in the bride s hair. Ancient Chinese women wore similar marks for purely decorative purposes since the second century, which became popular during the Tang Dynasty.
Posted On : 3/30/2009 11:30:12 PM
Maniam PS [Guru] Reward Points : 137200 Member Since : Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Significance of Tilak- There are different types of Tilak, each differing in its significance. Tilak is worn on the Ajna Chakra, the centre of forehead, on the space between the eyebrows. Tilak is applied on the point at which the third eye or the spiritual eye is believed to open. All the actions of humans are governed by this specific point. Application of tilak is customary and infact, most of the Hindu ceremonies begin with the application of tilak. Well, Tilak can be made by using sandal paste, turmeric, kumkum or ashes. Depending on the purpose for which Tilak is applied, the material is chosen for preparing the sacred forehead mark. Sandal: White sandal symbolizes purity, calmness and tranquility Kumkum: Red kumkum signifies power, vigor, dynamism and stability Turmeric: Saffron colored turmeric stands for wealth, fortune, prosperity and opulence Holy Ashes or Vibhuti: Vibhuti represents dedication, devotion and commitment Tilak can be applied in varied forms as a mark of auspiciousness as well as blessing. Numerous mentions have been made about Tilak in the ancient scriptures such as Vedas and Upanishads. Rig Veda has given an elaborate description about the life of Goddess Usha, the consort of Lord Surya. She is portrayed as wearing a red dot on her forehead that signifies the rising sun.
Hello .. thanks for all the details on Tilaka. I want to add further that ndian tilak can be made by making a paste out of sandalwood paste, ashes, vermilion, clay or any other substance. There is a detailed description of the meaning and significance of the concept of tilak, along with the style of its application, in many Hindu mythologies. In the Indian state of Bihar, Nepal and other places, tilaka is also called tika or teeka. For Hindus, the tika is of utmost significance. Apart from being a decorative mark, it also indicates that the wearer belongs to a particular sect or social group. Though the normal teeka is worn as a small dot on the forehead, there exist major variations in its application style. For instance, in case of certain sects in Hindu ascetics, the tilak may cover the entire forehead. As such, worn by priests, ascetics and normal devotees, it shows which Hindu tradition he follows. The Shaivites or the devotees of Lord Shiva typically use ash and draw their tilak as three horizontal lines. Vaishnavas followers of Lord Vishnu use clay from a holy river or place, which is sometimes mixed with sandalwood paste, as tilakam. The tilak is also a reminder of the wedding vows. The most popular is the red tilak worn by Hindu married women to symbolize their marriage and the wedding vows. The religious significance of tilak has been largely forgotten these days and it is now used more for fashion than for religious reasons.
Posted On : 4/7/2009 2:20:46 AM
Maniam PS [Guru] Reward Points : 137200 Member Since : Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Posted By : Anjana chakraborty Posted On : 4/7/2009 2:20:46 AM Go
Hello .. thanks for all the details on Tilaka. I want to add further that ndian tilak can be made by..
Normally, the various tilaks you have mentioned are made from natural products which in a way gives certain benefit to the user. But what about sticker tilaks made out of paper and other synthetic materials. Wouldn t they be harmful to the user???
Tilak - What Significance
