[Shriya Pandey]

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Embracing Tilak: A journey into Hindu Tradition

Tika is considered to be a symbol of purity. The tilak is of great spiritual consequence to Hindus as they offer this power to honor God and apply it in return on their forehead as a red dot after visiting temples. The various aspects of tilak are mentioned below

Tilak is placed on the place of Third Eye

According to yogic texts, there exist seven major chakras which run along the center of the body, each of which relates to various aspects of a person’s physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. Tilak is placed on the forehead between the eyebrows where the ajna chakra is located. As ajna means to “perceive” or “command,” also considered to be the “eye of intuition,” through which a person can discern information that cannot otherwise be seen with one’s physical eyes. This “third eye” is spiritually potent which helps one to focus inward on the Divine. Therefore, tilak is placed on the ajna chakra to invoke this divine energy, as well as act as a reminder of the ultimate life goal.

 

When to wear tilak
Tilak can be worn at any time, but generally, it is best to apply it after showering, when cleanest. Bhakt wears tilak when participating in any sort of puja (“worship”), when going to a temple, or attending a special festival. Many texts recommend wearing tilak every day, as a way of maintaining a constant atmosphere of spirituality. Wearing tilak every day also acts as a reminder to others who see you of their own spiritual goals. It is a symbolic magnet that helps to pull the attention of all who see it to a more spiritual plane of existence.

Tilak marks the body as a temple
Hindu teachings espouse that, because the Divine resides within all, every person’s body is a sacred temple of God and should therefore be treated as such. Putting on tilak not only acts as an auspicious decoration of this temple but also helps one to remember that beyond all other species of life, the human body is a precious vessel that enables one to contemplate and actively pursue spiritual endeavors. If selfless service is the practice of sincere love, and the body is what allows a person to engage in such a practice, then all aspects of maintaining the health of the body from exercise to healthy food should be viewed as a sacred activity. Most importantly, in a world filled with distractions that often pull one’s attention away from life’s higher purpose, applying tilak is one of several methods described in Hindu scriptures that helps re-center one’s spiritual focus.

Tilak marks a gesture for greeting

Tilak is considered to be sacred and auspicious in Hindu culture. Hindus use the Tilak ceremony, as a mark of honor and welcome guests, something special or someone special. Atithi (guests) are always welcomed by applying a tilak between their eyebrows.

Tilak is always applied during prayer ceremonies, daily prayer rituals at home, and important events like marriages, birthdays, etc.

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