Why do we apply ‘Tilak’ on the forehead

We have often seen Indian people applying tilak on the forehead especially while going for some auspicious event of their life or while doing prayer. Maha Upanisad, Atharvana Upanishad, Puranas and Vedic Scriptures describe the importance of tilak. There are sampradayas (cultures) in Sanatan Dharm (Hindu Principles) which say energy, strength and divinity come to those who use tilak.

Tilak is played in between the two eyebrows where the Adnya-chakra exists as per the Yogic science and is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in the human body where the highest number of neurons. People apply various types of tilaks on their forehead as Vishnu devotees apply Yellow(Chandan) tilak; Gaudiya, Devotees of Goddess Lakshmi apply Kumkum tilak, Lord Shiva devotees apply Ashes, etc and every ingredient has peculiarities in it. Here are scientific reasons behind it:

The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of “energy”, the red ‘kumkum’ between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. While applying kumkum the points on the mid-brow region and are automatically pressed. This also facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles.

Beats insomnia which is why we have Ayuverdic practices like Shirodhara which focusses on dripping oil on the forehead.

Clears sinuses, medically the joint also has a nerve (trigeminal) that when pressed clears sinuses by increasing the blood pressure to the nose.

Further Reads:

https://pujasanskaram.wordpress.com/2015/01/20/why-should-hindus-apply-tilak/

Dr. Gitanjali Kalia

A learner at heart with 13 years of experience and still growing. From field experience to academic ambience, people interaction and exploring new ideas have been my area of interest and has proved to be stepping stone towards my achievements. Creativity is my core skill, be that vision to see the world or to work towards something aesthetically, creativity exists in everything. I am an academician by profession and the creativity is my passion. Academician: Shifting from advertising field to teaching advertising wasn't in my dreams but I must say it is one of the most challenging and coolest profession altogether. What keeps it ticking is to be with Young minds!! I have written research papers and got by books chapters published in the international books by international publications . Poet: I am a poet and got my poems published by Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi in Kavya Lehri and Kavyanjali. I also have an ebook to my credit titled 'Lyrical Emotions'. Writer(Blogger): A writer who loves writing and has written for numerous magazines, online portals and newspapers like Time of India(Youth section), The Identity, Contemporary Vibes, The Higher education, etc. A Blogger who runs her own blog. An artist who works towards improving her skills every now and then. A traveller who knows learning is much more outside the classroom. As a leaner is never satisfied with his/ her work, I believe to utilize the gift of human birth to the fullest and enjoy.