Significance of Tilak

 Tilak is worn on the Ajna Chakra, the centre of forehead, on the space between the eyebrows. Tilak is applied on the point at which the third eye or the spiritual eye is believed to open. All the actions of humans are governed by this specific point. Tilaka may be worn on a daily basis or for special religious occasions only, depending on different customs.

The most conspicuous and widespread tilakas are those worn by Vaishnavites. The Vaishnava tilaka consists of a long line starting from just below the hairline to almost the end of one's nose tip. It is intercepted in the middle by an elongated "U". There may be two marks on the temples as well. This tilaka is traditionally made with sandalwood paste. The other major tilaka variant is often worn by the followers of Shiva and the different forms of Devi Shakti. 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 fire sacrifices.Many worshippers of Shakti will wear a rectangular mark of kumkuma on the forehead, especially South Indians.

Tilak can be applied in varied forms as a mark of auspiciousness as well as blessing. Numerous mentions have been made about Tilak in the ancient scriptures such as Vedas and Upanishads. Rig Veda has given an elaborate description about the life of Goddess Usha, the consort of Lord Surya. She is portrayed as wearing a red dot on her forehead that signifies the rising sun. 

Now a days in many temples they are encouraging to apply tilak. In tirumala  there are special centres for Tilakadarana. By applying tilak on forehead confidence of a person will be increased.

• Sandal: White sandal symbolizes purity, calmness and tranquility
• Kumkum: Red kumkum signifies power, vigor, dynamism and stability
• Turmeric: Saffron colored turmeric stands for wealth, fortune, prosperity and opulence
• Holy Ashes or Vibhuti: Vibhuti represents dedication, devotion and commitment