A tilak is an auspicious sign worn by Hindus, typically on the forehead, but can be applied to other parts of the body. It is made from a paste of dye and ash, sandalwood paste, clay, and spices, and comes in various colors and shapes. The forehead is considered an auspicious place and the site of the sixth chakra. Different shapes and colors indicate various religious affiliations, and women wear the tilak to indicate marriage. Some devotees wear tilak every day, while others wear it on special occasions or during festivals.
A tilak, tilaka or tika is an auspicious sign worn by followers of the Hindu religion. In many cases, a tilak is worn on the forehead, but the markings can also be applied to other parts of the body. Besides being an expression of devotion, a tilak is also considered an auspicious sign for the wearer. In nations where the expression of religious freedom is protected, tilaks may be a common sight among Hindus.
Classically, a tilak is red, made from a paste of dye and ash. Sandalwood paste, clay and spices are all used to make tilaks. Tilaks can also come in other colors, such as yellow, gray and white, and can be applied by hand or with specialized stamps. They are also available in a variety of shapes, including the classic dot-shaped tilak. Different shapes and colors indicate various religious affiliations, so that followers of a particular Hindu sect can easily identify with each other.
The forehead, the most common location for a tilak, is considered an auspicious place. It is the site of the sixth chakra, which governs consciousness and reason. The application of a tilak is said to act as a focal point, clarifies thoughts and enables the wearer to see the truth. This site is also known as the ‘third eye’ area, a very important part of religious practice for many Hindus. You may have noticed marks or eyes in this spot on an artwork featuring many Hindu gods, for example.
Names for tilak vary according to style and part of the world. Honorary tilaks can also be applied to persons who have excelled in sports or notable visitors to a region. These tilaks often take the form of a line. Women wear the tilak to indicate they have been married, in which case the tilak is sometimes known as a bindi. Hindu women cannot wear a bindi unless they are married, but women all over the world wear the sacred signs decoratively.
Some Hindu devotees such as priests and ascetics wear tilak every day, as part of their religious practice. Others apply tilaks on special occasions or during festivals and they are a common part of decorations at weddings and major life events. You might also spot the occasional urdhva-pundra, a special U-shaped tilak with a small dot in the center of the U; these tilaks are worn by worshipers of Vishnu.
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