Hindu Rituals and Routines… Why do we follow them? 5

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5. Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on

the forehead?

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

6. Why do we not touch papers, books and people with

the feet?