Scientific & Spiritual Reasons to Apply Tilak

Hindus primarily apply tilak at the point of the ajna chakra between the eyebrows on their foreheads. The tilak is also sometimes worn on other parts of the body like chest, neck, arm or hand. It can be worn daily or for special occasions or when performing a ritual. In simple terms, Hindus consider the tilak as a religious symbol.

The tilak is worn in different styles by different sects according to the god or goddess that they worship. Moreover, the tilak is also made of different items. These include turmeric, clay, ash, vermillion or sandalwood. Each of these tilaks has its own significance. However, it cannot be said that one particular tilak reigns supreme over the other.

Interestingly, the tilak is usually applied along with some unbroken rice grains. This is because the rice grains are said to symbolise positivity and purity in Hinduism. Men often put the tilak with their thumbs as this is supposed to give them strength. On the other hand, use their ring fingers to do the same. It is believed that doing so helps their brains to be at peace.

Applying tilak with the left finger and index finger also has their own significance. When the tilak is applied with the thumb, the person is considered to be blessed with strength while using the index finger for the same helps to achieve salvation.

There are several scientific and spiritual reasons for applying tilak. Read on to know some of them.

Cures Health Related Problems

A person who applies a kumkum tilak regularly on his/her forehead is cured of problems like insomnia, fatigue and mental stress. The application also helps get relief from illness like headaches and sinus while increasing his/her concentration power at the same time by preventing the loss of his/her energy levels. Tilak with turmeric content helps to get rid of skin related ailments. The blood supply to the facial muscles get stimulated when the tilak is applied between the eyebrows.

Boosts Immunity

Regular application of tilak helps in boosting the immunity of an individual. He/she is also safeguarded against infectious diseases. For example, sandalwood helps to maintain a cool body and brain with its calming property and keeps heat related issues such as fever at bay.

Increases Self-Confidence

Tilak plays a key role in balancing the beta-endorphin and serotonin hormones in the body. As a result, it keeps the individual’s sorrows at bay and keeps him/her happy. This, in turn, increases one’s self-confidence and ability to make firm decisions in life.

Temple of God

The application of tilak helps a person to associate his/her body as the temple of God. It is also a reminder to the individual to actively contemplate as well as engage in spiritual activities. The tilak also motivates him/her to involve himself/herself in selfless service as much as possible and adhere to all aspects of maintaining a healthy body. Moreover, when the tilak is applied chanting the name of one’s favourite deity with utmost devotion, the lord protects one’s body from harm.

Lowers Ego Levels

A person who applies tilak to associate himself/herself with God finds that his/her ego levels come down considerably. As the ego in a person diminishes, he/she will be able to make more advancements in his/her spiritual practices as he/she surrenders himself/herself to the Almighty.

Develops Positive Mindset

The third eye represents the subconscious mind and thought process of an individual. According to Hindu scriptures, a person is filled with negative thoughts from the negative energy that enters his/her body through the ajna chakra or third eye chakra. When the tilak is applied on the forehead, it blocks the entry of such negative vibes and thoughts, thereby helping in developing a positive mindset.

Enhance Communication Skills

Applying tilak on the throat is associated with the vishuddha chakra. This chakra gets opened up when tilak is put on the throat. This assists in enhancing communication skills and makes the person being understood better.

Different Hindu sects refer to tilak by various names. For example, Shaivites refer to the tilak featuring white ash as vibhuti while Vaishnavites use a tilak made of sandalwood paste that they call urdhva pundra. While there is no specific time of the day associated with when a person must apply tilak, it is often worn for the first time in the day in the morning after a bath. This is mainly because applying the tilak is considered to be one of the most important rituals that should be observed in worshipping or paying one’s respects to the Almighty.

Written by - Deepthi K