Tilaka
≈ 3 min read
Names in other languages
No names in other languages are held for this entry yet.
Article bodies are English and are not machine-translated. A name in another language is not a translation of the article.
In Hinduism, the tilaka, colloquially known as a tika, is a mark, most often applied to the forehead at the point of the ajna chakra (third eye or spiritual eye), though it may also appear on other parts of the body such as the neck, hand, chest, or the arm. The tilaka may be applied daily for decorative purposes, as a symbol of religious affiliation, for rites of passage, or other special spiritual and religious occasions, dependent on regional custom. It is also used to honour and welcome someone upon arrival. Tilakas vary widely in shape and are made from various substances, including "ash from sacrificial fire or cow dung, sandalwood paste, turmeric, clay, charcoal or red lead."
In Hinduism, the tilaka, colloquially known as a tika, is a mark, most often applied to the forehead at the point of the ajna chakra (third eye or spiritual eye), though it may also appear on other parts of the body such as the neck, hand, chest, or the arm. The tilaka may be applied daily for decorative purposes, as a symbol of religious affiliation, for rites of passage, or other special spiritual and religious occasions, dependent on regional custom. It is also used to honour and welcome someone upon arrival. Tilakas vary widely in shape and are made from various substances, including "ash from sacrificial fire or cow dung, sandalwood paste, turmeric, clay, charcoal or red lead."
Other traditions
Jains wear the tilaka to mark the forehead of Jaina images with sandalwood paste, during puja ceremonies. It may also be used, for the same reason, to mark idols at the start of a puja (worship), to mark a rock or tree before it is cut or removed from its original place for artisan work, or to mark a new piece of property.
Relationship to bindi
Although the bindi is related to the tilaka there are a few notable differences. Bindi is a stick-on alternative worn by women of the Indian religions on the forehead - not by men. Generally, married women wear red or maroon symbolizing good fortune. Today, bindis are offered in an assortment of colors and shapes to better co-ordinate with Indian dress.
References
Bibliography
Further reading
Mittal, Sushil; Thursby, Gene R. (2006). Religions of South Asia: An Introduction. Taylor & Francis, United Kingdom. . pp. 73.
External links
How to put on Tilak, Hare Krishna Temple Tilaka : Hindu marks on the forehead, Priyabala Shah
Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1375917244 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.