Types of Tilaks

Types of  Tilaks : Meanings and Scriptural References

1. Urdhva Pundra (Vertical Lines)

Materials: Sandalwood paste, sometimes with Kumkum.

Significance:

• Symbolizes purity and devotion to Lord Vishnu.
• The vertical lines represent Vishnu’s footprint, signifying the devotee’s surrender to the divine.

Scriptural References:

• The significance of the Urdhva Pundra can be found in the Vishnu Purana  and Padma Purana. According to the Padma Purana, “Urdhva Pundra dharanam moksha sadhanam” which means that wearing the Urdhva Pundra leads to liberation (moksha).

2. Tripundra (Three Horizontal Lines)

Materials: Vibhuti (sacred ash). 

Significance:

• Represents the threefold nature of Shiva: creation, preservation, and destruction.
• Symbolizes the three gunas: sattva (purity), rajas (passion), and tamas (darkness).
• Indicates the burning of past impurities and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.

Scriptural References:

• The Shiva Purana elaborates on the Tripundra: “Tripundram Bhasma dharanam” meaning the wearing of three horizontal lines of sacred ash signifies one’s dedication to Lord Shiva. The Mahabharata also mentions the Tripundra in the Anushasana Parva, describing its significance in terms of spiritual purification.

3. Bindi or Bindu (Dot)

 

Materials: Kumkum or sindoor.

Significance:

• Commonly worn by married women to signify marital status and auspiciousness.
• Represents feminine energy (Shakti).
• Symbolizes the third eye and spiritual insight.

Scriptural References:

• The Devi Bhagavatam Purana mentions the bindi as a symbol of the goddess Parvati and her power (Shakti). The Markandeya Purana also refers to the bindi as an indication of marital status and a mark of auspiciousness for women.

4. Tilak with Central Line

Materials: Sandalwood paste with a central dot of Kumkum.

Significance:

• Represents the union of male (Shiva) and female (Shakti) energies.
• Symbolizes balance and harmony.
• Applied during religious ceremonies and festivals to invoke divine blessings.

Scriptural References:

• The Skanda Purana describes the tilak with a central line in the context of rituals and ceremonies, indicating its use for invoking blessings from both  Shiva and Shakti. The Linga Purana also mentions this type of tilak as a symbol of the cosmic balance between masculine and feminine energies.

These scriptural references provide deeper insight into the traditional and spiritual significance of each type of tilak, highlighting their roles in Hindu worship and daily practices.

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