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 valou