Without the worship of Sri Ganesh no work in Sanatan Dharma should begin. Likewise,no religious work should begin without a Tilak on the forehead.
Chandan or sandalpaste,Roli,Kumkum,Sindoor and Sacred Ash or Vibhuti can also be used as Tilak.

The Tilak is used in various ways for different reasons.Without the Tilak,Sandhya,Pooja,Deva Darshan,Tarpan and other religious activities should not be performed.

There are thirteen places on the human body where Tilak can be placed.However it is only on the forehead that it is noble.The head is the summit of the body with the brain being the axis of the entire body.

According to Hindu Astrology,Mesh Rasi or the House of Aries is on the forehead.The Lord of Mesh is Mars and His colour is Red.This is why Red Chandan and Sindoor is placed as Tilak on the forehead.

MANTRA:



The fingers used for applying Tilak are as follows:
At the base of the little finger is Mecury,at the base of the ring-finger is Sun,at the base of the middle finger is Saturn,at the base of the index finger is Jupiter and at the base of the thumb is Venus.Perfect peace is experienced at Sunrise,Saturn is the protector of lifespan,Jupiter represents immortality and Venus represents health.Tilak applied with the ring-finger and the thumb is astrologically very benifical.
In addition to this,the Sun represents firmness,brilliance,honour,respect and faith.These are the blessings achieved by applying Tilak with the ring-finger.Venus gives lifeforce,health,is the creator of new life,the bestower of gentility and politeness.This is achieved by applying Tilak with the thumb.

Women should use the ring-finger for applying Bindie with unbroken rice grains. Men should also use unbroken rice grains(Akshat)mixed in red chandan and apply the Tilak with the thumb.The unbroken rice grains symbolises steadfastness and firmness of the brain and is also a symbol of peace.It is reffered to as Deva Dhanya----grains of the Gods.

Pandit Bhadase Maharaj.

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