wearer and others. It is recognized as a religious mark. Its form and colour and can vary according to one’s caste, religious section or the form of the Lord worshipped.In earlier times, the four castes, the Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vyaishya and Sudra, applied marks differently. The Brahmins applied a white candanam or sandalwood mark, as his profession was of a priestly or academic nature. The Kshatriya applied a red kumkum or vermillion mark signifying valour as he belonged to warrior races. The Vvaishyas wore a yellow kesar or turmeric mark signifying prosperity as he was a businessman or trader devoted to the creation of wealth. The Sudra applied a black bhasma or charcoal mark signifying service as he supported the work of the other three divisions.
Vishnu worshippers apply a sandalwood tillak in the shape of a ‘u’, Shiva worshippers a pattai (three rows of horizontal holy ash or vibuti), Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on.
The tillak covers the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and thinking. It is known as the Aajna Chakra in the language of Yoga. The tillak is applied with the prayer - “May I remember the Lord, May this pious feeling pervade all my activities, May I be righteous in my deeds “. Even when we temporarily forget this prayerful attitude, the mark on our foreheads reminds us of our resolve. The tillak is thus a blessing of the Lord and a protection against wrong tendencies and forces.
The entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves – mostly from the forehead and the subtle spot between the eyebrows. That is why worry generates heat and causes a headache. The tillak or pottu cools the forehead, protects us and prevents energy loss. This is why sometimes the entire forehead is covered with chandan or vibuti.
It should be noted that using plastic or reusable ‘sticker bindis’ is not very useful or beneficial, even though it serves the purpose of beautification.
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