The tilak
or pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others. It is
recognized as a religious mark. Its form and colour vary according to one’s
caste, religious sect or the form of the Lord worshipped.
In earlier
times, the four castes (based on varna or colour) - Brahmana, Kshatriya,
Vaishya and Sudra - applied marks differently. The brahmin applied a white
chandan mark signifying purity, as his profession was of a priestly or academic
nature. The kshatriya applied a red kumkum mark signifying valour as he
belonged to warrior races. The vaishya wore a yellow kesar or turmeric mark
signifying prosperity as he was a businessman or trader devoted to creation of
wealth. The sudra applied a black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark signifying service
as he supported the work of the other three divisions.
Also
Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of "U,” Shiva
worshippers a tripundra of bhasma, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so
on).
The
tilak cover 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 tilak 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 another reminds us of our resolve. The tilak 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 - the forehead
and the subtle spot between the eyebrows especially so. That is why worry
generates heat and causes a headache. The tilak and pottu cools the forehead,
protects us and prevents energy loss. Sometimes the entire forehead is covered
with chandan or bhasma. Using plastic reusable "stick bindis" is not
very beneficial, even though it serves the purpose of decoration.
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