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There are various types of tilaka rather than just one. Each of them has a unique meaning and illustration. Hinduism is primarily divided into four main sects, or “sampradaya.”

People who practise the group of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, who follow Lord Shiva, Shaktism, who follow Devi Parvati (Shakti), and Smartism (five deities treated equally), all follow Lord Vishnu. Your sect can be determined by the kind of Tilaka you wear.

There are both simple and complex tilaks. Basic tilaks can be created and applied by hand, but some complex designs are made of metal. A tilaka is made from a variety of materials and ingredients. A tilak typically consists of materials like sandalwood, ash, and turmeric.

1. Bindu Tilak

The point of development and the divine nature present in all beings are represented by this tiny dot of vermillion or sandalwood paste. It stands for harmony, purity, and an understanding of the God within.

2. Shiva Tilak (Tripunda)

Lord Shiva’s third eye and divine knowledge are represented by the three horizontal lines on the forehead. This Tilak style encourages reflection and spiritual development.In general Shaiva tilaka is made of ash coming from burned wood, cow dung or incense. The tradition of ash goes back to stories that tell how Shiva would smear his body with ash taken from cremation sites, and so today, Shaivas mark their bodies with holy ash. In general, amongst Shaivas, the wearing of tilaka is not as extensive or as rigid as it is in the Vaishnava schools. Here are the most common Shaiva

patterns..

 

3.  Navagraha Tilak

This Tilak uses nine different colours, each of which stands for a planet or celestial body. This Tilak is worn in order to supposedly invoke the protection and blessings of the planets.

4. Gopi Chandan Tilak

This type of Tilak, which is made of pure clay and is connected to Lord Krishna, represents devotion and divine love.

5. Vaishnav Tilak

The inverted triangle shaped tilak on the forehead which does not have a line on its upper part is called Vaishnav Tilak. If explained in simple words, the tilak applied in ‘V’ shape is called Vaishnav Tilak. This tilak is applied starting from the middle of the nose till where the hair starts on the head.

Vaishnav tilak is further classified in 3 forms, that are-

i) Kumara Sampradaya- The tilak is made of Gopi-Chandana (the clay from Gopi Kunda lake in Dwarka, Gujarat). It starts at the bridge of the nose and continues as two vertical lines to the top of the forehead. Within these lines, between the eyebrows is a black dot, made from the slate found in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, the sacred birthplace of Radha. This is said to represent God as Radha and Krishna together.

ii) Rudra Sampraday- The tilak worn is generally a single vertical red line. This line represents Yamuna devi.The form of Krishna worshiped in this sampradaya is Sri Nathji or Govardhana.

iii) Sri Sampradaya- Tilak with two lines representing the feet of Narayana. the tilak is made out of the white mud foun< in anthills. The scriptures tell us that the mud from the base of a Tulasi plant and the white mud from within the ant hill are both pure and best for making tilak. A red line in the middle which representing Lakshmidevi.The redline was originally made from a red stone found within the ant hill. The ants would usually make their ant hill on top of these red stones.

6. Bhramma Tilak.

Brahma Tilak is usually applied by temple priests and Brahmins. Besides, such people and householders who worship Brahma Dev also apply such tilak. Brahma Tilak is applied with white colored roli.

Bhramma Tilak is classified in 2 more other forms, that are-

i) Madhav Sampradaya- The Madhva sampradaya mark two vertical lines representing Krishna’s ‘lotus feet’. In the Madhva sampradaya the tilak is made out of Gopichandana mud from Dwaraka.In between a vertical black line is made from the daily coal of the yajna-kunda (fire sacrifice).

ii) Gaudiya Sampradaya- In the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya the tilak is usually made out of mud from Vrindavan. The main tilak is basically identical to the Madhva tilak ( Two vertical lines representing Krishna’s ‘lotus feet’).In the Gaudiya line devotees do not approach Radha and Krishna directly, but always indirectly through their servant. To indicate this, the black line representing Radha is replaced with a tulsi leaf offered at the base of Krishna’s feet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Src- Vishnu Purana, Naarada Purana, Veducation Library, Total Bhakti Channel

 

 

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