The Glories of Gopi - Chandana Tilaka
Why do we apply tilak marks on the forehead and body?
The tilak invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others. Its form and color vary according to the Lord worshipped.
In Vedic times, the four castes (or Varna) - Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra - applied marks differently. The brahman applied a white chandan mark signifying purity, as his profession was of a priestly or academic nature. The kshatriya applied a red (kumkum) mark signifying valour, as he belonged to warrior races. The vaishya wore a yellow kesar mark signifying prosperity, as he was a businessman or trader devoted to creation of wealth. The sudra applied a black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark signifying service, as he supported the work of the other three divisions.
The devotees of Lord Vishnu apply a chandan tilak in the shape of "U”; Shiva worshippers a tripundra of bhasma; Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on. The tilak is worn over the Aajna Chakra, the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and thinking.
Some believe that the tilak cools the forehead, preventing energy loss. They argue that the entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves - especially the forehead and the subtle spot between the eyebrows and that is why worrying causes a headache. Now, let us see what the Vedic literature has to say about this.
(See attached file: The Glories of Gopi-chandana Tilaka - Sri Garga Samhita 6.15.15 -45.docx) ****************
Your humble servant,
A devotee who applies his tilaka with great care while looking in a mirror or looking at his reflection in water goes to the Lord’s Supreme abode. - Brahmanda Purana
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