# Tilaka > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Tilaka > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Tilaka.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilaka > Source revision: 1349626486 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{short description|Mark worn on the forehead and other parts of the body}} {{redirect|Tilak|the Indian self-rule activist|Bal Gangadhar Tilak}} thumb|A woman with a ''tilaka'' on her forehead In [Hinduism](/source/Hinduism), the '''tilaka''', colloquially known as a '''tika''', is a mark usually adorning the forehead at the point of the [''ajna chakra''](/source/Ajna) ([third eye](/source/third_eye) or spiritual eye) and sometimes other parts of the body such as the neck, hand, chest, or the arm.{{Cite book |last1=Mittal |first1=Sushil |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n7KCAgAAQBAJ&dq=tilaka+hindu+marks&pg=PA73 |title=Religions of South Asia: An Introduction |last2=Thursby |first2=Gene |date=2006-04-18 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-134-59322-4 |pages=73 |language=en}} The ''tilaka'' may be applied daily for decorative purposes, as a symbol of religious affiliation, for rites of passage, or other special spiritual and religious occasions, dependent on regional custom.{{Cite journal |last=Kanti Ghosh |first=Sumit |date=2023-05-18 |title=Body, Dress, and Symbolic Capital: Multifaceted Presentation of PUGREE in Colonial Governance of British India |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14759756.2023.2208502 |journal=Textile |volume=22 |issue=2 |language=en |pages=334–365 |doi=10.1080/14759756.2023.2208502 |s2cid=258804155 |issn=1475-9756|url-access=subscription }}{{Cite book |last=Lochtefeld |first=James G. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GnmPzgEACAAJ |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z |date=2002 |publisher=Rosen |isbn=978-0-8239-3180-4 |pages=709 |language=en}} It is also used to honour and welcome someone upon arrival.Axel Michaels (2015), ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=DSaxCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA100 Homo Ritualis: Hindu Ritual and Its Significance for Ritual Theory]'', Oxford University Press, {{ISBN|978-0190262631}}, pp. 100-112, 327 Tilakas come in an assortment of styles or shapes and are adorned using various substances such as "[ash](/source/Vibhuti) from [sacrificial fire](/source/Agni) or [cow dung](/source/cow_dung), [sandalwood](/source/sandalwood) paste, [turmeric](/source/turmeric), clay, charcoal or [red lead](/source/Lead(II%2CIV)_oxide)."{{Cite web |title=Tilak {{!}} Hindu symbolism |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/tilak |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=Britannica |language=en}} == Variations and meaning == Different Hindu denominations use different materials and shapes to make the tilaka.Makhan Jha, ''Anthropology of ancient Hindu kingdoms: a study in civilizational perspective'', p. 126 === Vaishnavite tilakas === Traditionally, a staunch Vaishnavite marks twelve parts of the body with tilakas and other symbols, but the most prominent tilaka is displayed on the forehead. The Vaishnava tilaka, also known as [''urdhva pundra''](/source/Urdhva_Pundra), consists of a two or three vertical lines starting from just below the hairline to almost the end of one's nose tip, and intercepted in the middle by an elongated U. The style of the ''urdhva pundra'' varies in each [Vaishnavite](/source/Vaishnavites) sect throughout India and can be made with sandalwood paste or various other materials.{{Cite book |last=Chatterjee |first=Gautam |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NQ0XQHEkuIcC |title=Sacred Hindu Symbols |date=2001 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-397-7 |pages=59 |language=en}}thumb|upright=1.35|Examples of Tilaks or sect-marking in British India, summarised by 19th-century scholar RussellAccording to Dr. Vijay Prakash Sharma, the known styles include:{{sfn|Vijay Prakash Sharma|p=72}} * Vijayshree – a white ''urdhva pundra'' tilaka with a white line in the middle,{{sfn|Vijay Prakash Sharma|p=72}} founded by Swami Balanand of Jaipur; * Bendi tilaka – a white ''urdhva pundra'' tilaka with a white round mark in the middle,{{sfn|Vijay Prakash Sharma|p=73}} founded by Swami Ramprasad Acharya of Badasthan Ayodhya; and * Chaturbhuji tilaka – white ''urdhva pundra'' tilaka with the upper portion turned 90 degrees in the opposite direction, no ''shri'' in the middle, founded by Narayandas of Bihar, ascetics of Svarg Dvar of Ayodhya follow it. Additional styles include: Vallabha Sampradaya Tilaka; Sri Tilaka of Rewasa Gaddi; Ramacharandas Tilaka; Srijiwarama tilaka; Sri Janakraja Kishori Sharan Rasik Aliji tilaka; Sri Rupkalajee tilaka; Rupsarasji tilaka; Ramasakheeji tilaka; Kamanendu Mani tilaka; Karunasindhuji tilaka; Swaminarayana Tilaka; Nimbarka tilaka; and Madhva tilaka.{{sfn|Vijay Prakash Sharma|p=75}} The [Vasudeva Upanishad](/source/Vasudeva_Upanishad), a Vaishnava text, explains the significance of three vertical lines in ''urdhva'' p''undra'' tilaka to be a reminder of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva; the Vedic scriptures – Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda; three worlds Bhu, Bhuva, Svar; the three syllables of [Om](/source/Om) – ''a'', ''u'', ''m''; three states of consciousness – awake, dream sleep, deep sleep; three realities – [Maya](/source/Maya_(illusion)), [Brahman](/source/Brahman) and [Atman](/source/Atman_(Hinduism)); the three bodies – ''sthula'', ''sukshma'', and ''karana''.Sunder Hattangadi (2000), [http://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_upanishhat/vasudeva.pdf Vasudeva Upanishad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208030202/http://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_upanishhat/vasudeva.pdf|date=2016-02-08}}, Sama Veda, SanskritDocuments ArchivesD Dennis Hudson (2008), ''The Body of God'', Oxford University Press, {{ISBN|978-0195369229}}, pp. 90-95thumb|A sadhu in Nepal wearing tilaka === Shaivite tilakas === The [Tripundra](/source/Tripundra) or Rudra-tilaka is the other major tilaka variant, often worn by the followers of [Shiva](/source/Shiva).{{sfn|Deussen|1997|pp=789–790}}{{sfn|Klostermaier|1984|pp=131, 371}} It consists of three horizontal bands across the forehead with a single vertical band or circle in the middle. This is traditionally done with sacred ash from sacrificial fires, also known as ''[vibhuti](/source/vibhuti)''. The use of ''vibhuti'' is symbolic of detachment to the world or renunciation.{{Cite web |last=Narayanan |first=Vasudha |title=Tilak and Other Forehead Marks |url=https://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/brill-s-encyclopedia-of-hinduism/*-COM_9000000187 |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Brill’s Encyclopedia of Hinduism Online|date=29 May 2018 }} This variant is the more ancient of the two and shares many common aspects with similar markings worn across the world. Chapter 2 of the ''[Kalagni Rudra Upanishad](/source/Kalagni_Rudra_Upanishad)'', a Shaiva traditional text, explains the three lines of a Tilaka as a reminder of various triads: three [sacred fires](/source/Yajna), three syllables in [Om](/source/Om), three ''[gunas](/source/Gu%E1%B9%87a)'', three worlds, three types of ''[atman](/source/%C4%80tman_(Hinduism))'' (self), three powers in oneself, first three [Vedas](/source/Vedas), three times of extraction of the Vedic drink [Soma](/source/Soma_(drink)).{{Sfn|Deussen|1997|p=790}}{{Sfn|Nene|1999}} *The first line is equated to ''Garhapatya'' (the sacred fire in a household kitchen), the ''A'' syllable of Om, the [Rajas guna](/source/Rajas), the earth, the external self, ''[Kriyā](/source/Kriy%C4%81)'' – the power of action, the ''[Rigveda](/source/Rigveda)'', the morning extraction of Soma, and [Maheshvara](/source/Maheshvara).{{Sfn|Deussen|1997|p=790}}{{Sfn|Nene|1999}} *The second streak of ash is a reminder of ''Dakshinagni'' (the holy fire lighted in the South for ancestors), the sound ''U'' of Om, [Sattva guna](/source/Sattva), the atmosphere, the inner self, ''[Iccha](/source/Iccha-shakti)'' – the power of will, the ''[Yajurveda](/source/Yajurveda)'', midday Soma extraction, and [Sadashiva](/source/Sadashiva).{{Sfn|Deussen|1997|p=790}}{{Sfn|Nene|1999}} *The third streak is the Ahavaniya (the fire used for [Homa](/source/Homa_(ritual))), the ''M'' syllable in Om, the [Tamas guna](/source/Tamas_(philosophy)), [Svarga](/source/Svarga) – heaven, the [Paramatman](/source/Paramatman) – the highest self (the ultimate reality of [Brahman](/source/Brahman)), Jnana – the power of knowledge, the ''[Samaveda](/source/Samaveda)'', Soma extraction at dusk, and [Shiva](/source/Shiva).{{Sfn|Deussen|1997|p=790}}{{Sfn|Nene|1999}} These lines, represent Shiva's threefold power of will (icchāśakti), knowledge (jñānaśakti), and action (kriyāśakti).Antonio Rigopoulos (2013), ''Brill's Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Volume 5'', Brill Academic, {{ISBN|978-9004178960}}, pp. 182-183 The Tripuṇḍra described in this and other Shaiva texts also symbolises Shiva's trident ([trishula](/source/trishula)) and the [divine triad](/source/Trimurti) of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. thumb|A devotee of Ayyappan wearing tilaka. === Other Hindu denominations === [Shaktas](/source/Shaktas), worshippers of the various forms of the Goddess ([Devi](/source/Devi)), wear a red dot on the forehead in the middle of three horizontal lines or a semicircular line.{{Cite book |last=Commissioner |first=India Census |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jixBAQAAMAAJ&dq=shakta+tilak&pg=PA83 |title=Census of India, 1901 |date=1902 |publisher=Printed at the Government central Press |pages=83 |language=en}} Followers of [Ganapatya](/source/Ganapatya) use red sandal paste (''rakta candana'').{{cite book |last=Grimes |first=John A. |title=Ganapati: Song of the Self |publisher=State University of New York Press |year=1995 |isbn=0-7914-2440-5 |place=Albany |page=202, note 40}} ==Other traditions== [Jains](/source/Jainism) wear the tilaka to mark the forehead of Jaina images with sandalwood paste, during puja ceremonies.Robert Williams (1998), ''Jaina Yoga: A Survey of the Mediaeval Śrāvakācāras'', Motilal Banarsidass, {{ISBN|978-8120807754}}, pp. 221-222 It may also be used, for the same reason, to mark idols at the start of a [puja](/source/Puja_(Hinduism)) (worship), to mark a rock or tree before it is cut or removed from its original place for artisan work, or to mark a new piece of property.{{cite journal |author=E. Washburn Hopkins |date=1910 |title=Mythological Aspects of Trees and Mountains in the Great Epic |journal=Journal of the American Oriental Society |volume=30 |issue=4 |pages=347–374 |doi=10.2307/3087578 |jstor=3087578}} ==Relationship to bindi== Although the [bindi](/source/bindi) is related to the tilaka there are a few notable differences. Bindi is a stick-on alternative worn by women of the [Indian religions](/source/Indian_religions) on the forehead - not by men. Generally, married women wear red or maroon symbolizing good fortune. Today, bindis are offered in an assortment of colors and shapes to better co-ordinate with Indian dress.{{Cite book |last=DeMello |first=Margo |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=39B8fpdg_NwC&dq=differences+between+bindi+and+tilaka&pg=PA24 |title=Faces around the World: A Cultural Encyclopedia of the Human Face: A Cultural Encyclopedia of the Human Face |date=2012-02-14 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-59884-618-8 |pages=24–25 |language=en}}{{Cite book |last1=Kenny |first1=Erin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VAUmDwAAQBAJ&dq=bindi+vs+tilak&pg=PA22 |title=Beauty around the World: A Cultural Encyclopedia |last2=Nichols |first2=Elizabeth Gackstetter |date=2017-06-22 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-61069-945-7 |pages=22–23 |language=en}} ==References== {{reflist|30em}} ===Bibliography=== *{{cite book|last= Deussen|first=Paul| title=Sixty Upanishads of the Veda|year= 1997|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn=978-81-208-1467-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XYepeIGUY0gC}} *{{cite book|last=Entwistle|first = A. W.|title=Vaishnava tilakas: Sectarian marks worn by worshippers of Vishnu (IAVRI bulletin)|publisher=International Association of the Vrindaban Research Institute|year=1981}} *{{cite book|first=Klaus K.|last= Klostermaier|title=Mythologies and Philosophies of Salvation in the Theistic Traditions of India|year= 1984|publisher=Wilfrid Laurier Univ. Press|isbn=978-0-88920-158-3}} *{{Cite web|url=http://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_upanishhat/kaalaagni.pdf |title= कालाग्निरुद्रोपनिषत् (Kalagnirudra Upanishad)|access-date=28 January 2016| language = sa|last= Nene| first= Roopa| year= 1999 }} *{{cite book |author=Vijay Prakash Sharma |title=The sadhus and Indian civilisation}}{{fcn|date=March 2021}} ==Further reading== * Mittal, Sushil; Thursby, Gene R. (2006). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=44lBT7_0lDwC Religions of South Asia: An Introduction].'' Taylor & Francis, United Kingdom. {{ISBN|0-415-22390-3}}. pp. 73. ==External links== {{commons category|Tilak}} {{wikiquote}} *[http://harekrishnatemple.com/bhakta/chapter6.html How to put on Tilak], Hare Krishna Temple *[http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/001536401 Tilaka : Hindu marks on the forehead], Priyabala Shah {{Worship in Hinduism}} {{Hindudharma}} Category:Hindu traditions Category:Objects used in Hindu worship Category:Hindu symbols Category:Cosmetics --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Tilaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilaka) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilaka?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.