By now it’s clear, that my research on India has taken me from geography lessons to dinner recipes. Now, my investigation has gone down yet another interesting path. I am researching some of the more obvious characteristics of Indian culture that I did not previously know before.
Ever wonder what that “red dot” in the middle of some Indians’ foreheads mean? Yep, I wondered too. To the untrained eye, it looks like a striking accent to their cultural garb. It appears, to the unknowing on-looker, to be nothing more than a bright addition to exquisite makeup placed with meticulous precision. It is, however, a traditional and religious marking that holds deep significance to those who dawn it.
The tilaka, also called tika in Hindi, is translated “freckle” or “spot”. The plain red spot is typically worn by lay people, but there are many more intricate markings that are distinguishable by their shape, indicating the wearer’s religious preferences. It can be worn daily or only for religious special occasions. It also can distinguish the position of prominence a person may hold in the faith. The mark can differentiate if a person is a priest or not a clergy member.
Worn at the Ajna Chakra (the space between the eyes), the tilaka can be made of sandalwood past, ashes, vibhuti, kumkum, sindhoor, clay or other substance. It is often applied simply by hand for ceremonies. During certain religious rituals the priest will apply it to an attendee's forehead.
Shaiva Tilaka
Vaishnava Tilaka
The Shaiva Tilaka is horizontal. According to my studies it is not as prevalent as the Vaishnava markings which are vertically placed on the forehead. The position of the tilaka is customarily the center of the forehead. It represents a third, inner eye. Hindu tradition states that all people have three eyes, the two outer ones used for seeing the outside world, the third one focusing inward toward their "god". As such, the red dot signifies piety as well as serving as a constant reminder to keep "god" in the front of a believer's thoughts. Be clear that all Indian people do not apply a dot to their foreheads. Only Hindus who worship as a part of the Hindu religion apply this distinctive dot.
Note: Modern day, non-Hindu Indian women, unmarried Indian women, and people of different denominations, have begun to wear this traditional marking as a mode of expression. Some dawn it just for fashion’s sake and some even do it as rebellion against the stark, strict convention of yesteryear, modifying its color to make it ever more outstanding and striking.
To fully grasp the significance of the mystical "red dot" would require a deep dive into the beliefs of the Hindu religion. The Hindu faith as well as many aspects of Indian culture are vast. Understanding all the nuances will take lots of time and research, but every day I discover new keys to unlock the doors to this awe inspiring culture. Can’t wait to see what will be revealed next.
Glossary:
Vibhuti- is sacred ash.
Kumkum-red powder distributed down the parted hair of a married Hindu women; powder used in Hindu rituals to worship goddesses, especially Shakti.
Sindhoor-red orange cosmetic powder; worn by married women; the main component, vermilion, is a naturally occurring mineral rock, with mercuric properties. More recently the powder is produced artificially.
Sources:
Answers.com
Wikipedia.com
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