Why People Apply Tilak
We all have seen and applied tilak on our forehead. Whether we visit any temple or do worship at home, or participate in any pooja applying tilak prevails in every circumstance. But why do we apply tilak?
What's its significance?
Do women wearing bindi on their forehead the same thing as men applying tilak or is it different?
- If it is different then how is it different?
- What is the correct way to apply Tilak?
These are the questions we would like to discuss today in this article.
What is a Tilak
Most people think that tilak is a normal mark and can be applied anywhere on the forehead, but this is not the case. Tilak is a very auspicious method to connect with divinity and there is a correct procedure to do tilak to make full use of its power.
The thing is tilak is like a gateway, an opening through which one can channel his mind and connect with divinity. It is an ancient science developed by our ancestors. Thinking of tilak as some kind of superstition is the most foolish thing ever possible.
Tilaka is of various types and can be applied on various parts of one's body or in some cases on the entire body. All of the methods of applying tilak have their own significance and meaning.
Types of Tilaka
Tilaka is mainly of three types which can be seen in the everyday life of a household.
1. Chandan Tilak
2. Kumkum Tilak
3. Bhasm Tilak
Chandan and kumkum are found naturally. It is an organic product and is believed to be very auspicious and holy. The fragrance and smell of Chandan and kumkum are so unique that it keeps the applier fresh the entire day after applying. After doing puja or pran pratishtha of an idol or god one can take the Chandan, kumkum tilak kept near the puja place and apply it.
Bhasm or vibhuti tilak on the other hand is a different thing; it is made up of Ash. The burned ash of cow dung can be used as a tilak. The cow is a holy animal in Hinduism and cow dung is believed to be a holy thing.
Applying ash tilak is a reminder that every person or every living thing has to die one day. It is the ultimate truth that we are sure about. We don't evidently know anything but one thing one who is born must die one day. The ash is the remainder of the same ultimate truth.
Where to apply Tilak
Tilak is applied on the forehead in between both eyes. But that's not it. It can be applied in several other places as well. The places where the tilak can be applied are as follows
1. On the forehead between the eyes. As it is the place where the mind is to be believed to reside.
2. On the neck. The neck is an important part of the body whatever we take for energy food, water or air goes through our neck so to channel that energy one can also apply tilak on the neck. Generally, women apply tilak on their neck one reason can be because their forehead already has their bindis, so no place left there. However, men can also apply to their respective necks.
3. At the lower chest. The lower chest is where the rib bone cage ends. You may find a soft place there. It is said that the 'Pran' or soul resides at the exact spot so that makes that point very important and tilak may be applied there.
Leaving all three spots some sages and yogis also apply the burnt ash, not of cow dung but human corpse burnt ash to the entire body. This is very advanced and maybe a very dangerous type of sadhana that only a few people can do.
Applying burnt ash on the entire body is nothing you have seen every day and not lots of people do it. Hindu supreme god Shiva applies the ash on his entire body; he is an Adi yogi and the first yogic to ever be present in the Cosmos.
The people who can achieve this kind of position and place in spirituality have done it through very hard Tapasya and sadhana which takes years if not decades. It is a very tough yoga to do and very very dangerous if not done carefully and with great precision.
These are the things that can not be done without a guru and if one tries the results can be the opposite of what it has done.
Not all yogis and sadhus can do it. Only a specific type of yogis called 'Aghoris' are eligible for this as there are a variety of schools of thought to attain moksha. Moksha is the end destiny of every path and the goal of each and every individual. Everybody should work to attain it.
Spiritual aspects of Tilak
So what does tilak do?
Actually when we do a puja or worship according to Hinduism we do is we are given a pran pratishtha or consecration to an idol, an image, or even to an empty space. So when we are done with consecration we have unleashed the divinity to that place that has unlimited power and endless possibilities.
It is not possible to be near that place for anyone all day. So to channel its energy we keep haldi, kumkum, and Chandan near our worshipping spot because these things are very good natural receptors and absorb the divine energy.
After applying that tilak on our forehead or other parts of the body, the divine energy remains with us the whole day wherever we go.
Applying tilak is not a superstition but rather a scientific act with proven benefits. It keeps people positive and away from negativity and resistance from going on the wrong path.
It gives a feeling that the almighty is with us wherever we go.