The reasoning behind why this sacred mark is applied on the forehead.
Spiritual benefits
The primary location for applying the Tika is the middle of eyebrows, this spot is the home to one of the seven chakras or focal points of Meditation. The Ajna or the third eye chakra lies there. “Ajna” means to command or perceive, dictating our perception and control over things. This chakra is responsible for insightfulness and the emotional, psychological and spiritual awakening. For these reasons, it is also known as the eye of intuition. By regularly applying a Tilak, one can strengthen this chakra to promote focus and memory powers.
This part of the head is also known to have concentrated energy in the form of a crucial nerve. By pressing the Tika paste there, it promotes blood flow to increase concentration and retain energy.
The Science behind it
Although many affiliations originate from religious or social reasoning, there is scientific evidence as to why we put Tika on the forehead.
One of the common ingredients used to apply Tika is vermillion which is nothing but mercury sulphide. This chemical is known to decrease stress and exhaustion.
The constant functioning of the brain without any pause can cause it to radiate energy in the form of heat and make the body temperature rise at times. Sandalwood is famous for its soothing properties and can help in cooling down the forehead.
Turmeric is renowned for its healing properties and benefits on skin, which again makes it an excellent ingredient to be used as a Tilak.
Ash that has been reduced or oxidised by exposure to strong heat is known as bhasma and shields the body from radical damage.
Social and Religious causes
One of the well-known causes of applying a Tika was to identify the various Hindu castes and worshippers of various deities back in the day.
Brahmans, the upper caste priests, used to apply a sandalwood Tika to signify purity and harmony.
The Kshatriyas, warriors, used to go for vermillion, the red shade symbolising their courage and bravery.
The Vaishyas, traders, opted for turmeric or yellow colour as it depicted prosperity.
The Shudras, lower caste, wore black Tilaks as it used to indicate their inferiority in the society.
The Shaivites, worshippers of lord Shiva, apply a sacred paste of white ash called vibhuti made from dried wood as it is a sign of how impermanent the materialistic world is. Three horizontal lines of this paste are applied on the forehead to signify the three powers of lord Shiva; will, knowledge and action.
Vaishnavas, worshippers of lord Vishnu, prefer applying a sandalwood Tika with two vertical lines from the inner eyebrows to form a “U” from the bridge of the nose. This U is believed to be the footstep of the lord, inviting an unconditional devotion towards him and evoking humility.
Shaktas, the worshippers of Devi, the female representation of the deity, apply a single vertical line or vermillion in the middle of the forehead to showcase power and energy.
As such there isn’t a particular time to put on Tika, but it can be ideally applied while worshipping, on auspicious occasions, ceremonies, etc. It is also applied to guests as Hinduism has a concept of “Atithi Devo Bhava” meaning guests are equivalent to god.
