Tilak is a mark of wisdom and auspiciousness. It is put on the forehead with kumkum, chandan ( sandal paste), sacred ashes or kumkum (red tumeric). 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 tumeric powder. The term also refers to the ritual of marking somebody's forehead with a fragrant paste, as a welcome and expression of honor when they arrive.
The eyebrow spot is mentioned as Anjna Chakra in terms of Yoga, which is the 6th and the most significant chakra. It is the junction where highest number of neurons meet, thus defined as the significant yet sensitive zone, while there are scientific and spiritual to the concept of tilak.
Atharvana Upanishad, Maha Upanisad, Puranas and Vedic Scriptures describe the significance of tilak. There are sampradayas (cultures) in Sanatan Dharm (Hindu Principles) which say vigor, energy, strength & divinity come to those who use tilak.
TRADITIONAL
The tradition of applying Tilak is an ancient ritual. The mark or Bindu on the forehead is the visible symbol or identified mark of Hindu people. Firstly the tilak was worn to determine the identical Varna system. For example- Brahmin wore a paste of sandalwood which signifies purity and harmony. While Kshatriyas used to apply Red Tilak which signified their valour and bravery and Vaishyas wore yellow which symbolized as a symbol of prosperity, wealth as they were traders whereas, Shudras wore Black tilak signified they are lowered class people and have to serve all above classes.
But with the change in time, the tilak signifies your Sampradaya you belong to or whom you worshiped as every God has its own significant and identical mark or color of Tilak. As Lord Vishnu wear Yellow color tilak on his forehead made by turmeric in 3 horizontal lines. The “Ajna Chakra” or the point between the eyebrows is the point that most of Hindus consider the entry or exit of our Soul.
SCIENTIFICALLY
Scientifically, this area is known as a concentration, thinktank, , and memory. This part is also known the area which gets heated during anxiety, tension and stress. So applying Chadan tilak on this place gives you a cooling effect and supports concentration. A tilak also enhances holiness by enhancing the spiritual characteristics in a human being. Application of tilak boosts immunity as GV 24.5, a point in accordance to acupressure is stimulated. Regular utility keeps any infectious diseases away. Several nerves and muscles are relaxed during tilak dharan (application). Sandalwood is used by many in summers as cooling face packs, it is obvious when applied on forehead, where all facial nerves congregate, it keeps the system cool.
Brahmanda Purana
According to the Brahmanda Purana, the colours and manner of application of the tilak are important: "a red Tilak will bring obedience and control; a black Tilak will derive peace; a yellow one will bring wealth; one which is white will deliver devotion to Vishnu. The Tilak of correct size, marked using one’s fingers will offer the god’s blessing and support. A Tilaka in the centre of the forehead will bring youth and long life; the Chandlo made using the third finger (Anamika) will deliver happiness; and a bounded Tilak will eventually bring salvation".
- Applying Tilaka on the forehead of guests to welcome & honor is a cultural tradition in Nepal and India.
- Sikhs apply the tilaka as well. The Darshan Darbar devotees apply red tilaka to the forehead. This tilaka is a long red mark veritically applied. Saint Baba Budha ji applied tilaka to the first five Sikh Gurus.
- Jains use Tilaka to mark the forehead of Jaina images with sandalwood paste, during Puja ceremonies.
- Christians in India use Tilaka, both to mark special occasions and during their worship rites.[16]
- Hindus use the Tilaka ceremony, as a mark of honor and welcome to guests, something special or someone special.
Nice post
ReplyDeletethanks..
Delete