The tilak or pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others. It is recognized as a religious mark. Its form and colour vary according to one’s caste, religious sect or the form of the Lord worshipped.

In earlier times, the four castes (based on varna or colour) – Brahmana, Kshatriya,

Vaishya and Sudra – applied marks differently. The brahmin 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 or turmeric 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.

Also Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of “U”, Shiva worshippers a tripundra of bhasma, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on). The tilak cover the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and thinking. It is known as the Aajna Chakra in the language of Yoga. The tilak is applied with the prayer – “May I remember the Lord. May this pious feeling pervade all my activities. May I be righteous in my deeds.” Even when we temporarily forget this prayerful attitude the mark on another reminds us of our resolve. The tilak is thus a blessing of the Lord and a protection against wrong tendencies and forces.

The entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves – the forehead and the subtle spot between the eyebrows especially so. That is why worry generates heat and causes a headache. The tilak and pottu cools the forehead, protects us and prevents energy loss. Sometimes the entire forehead is covered with chandan or bhasma.

The space on the forehead between the eyebrows is the center of the brain’s thinking faculties. The Yogis calls it the Ajna Chakra. It is also termed as Lord Shiva’s third eye as it is the abode of noble thoughts. Application of sandalwood paste or vermillion as a tilak on the spot helps in nurturing the Ajna Chakra and the two adjacent glands. This also develops intellectual power, vitality and faculty of thinking. Therefore ,application of tilak is beneficial from both a scientific and spritiual point of view. That is why there is a custom in Hindus religion to apply tilak before starting any auspicious task.

The focus of consciousness in the majority of women is generally centered at the Swadhishthan or Manipur centers. These centers are filled with attributes of fear, emotions and fancy. Rishis have prescribed the use of tilak for ladies so that they are not carried away by emotions and fancies ; and their third eye ; the abode of the brain’s thinking faculties, is properly developed .

Using plastic reusable “stick bindis” is not very beneficial, even though it serves the purpose of decoration.