swagatam!!

Without the worship of Sri Ganesh no work in Sanatan Dharma should begin. Likewise, no religious work should begin without a Tilak or Tika 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, Puja, 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 considered noble. The head is the summit of the body with the brain being the axis of the entire body. According to Hindu Astrology, Mesh Rashi 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.

At the base of the little finger is Mercury, at the base of the ring-finger is Sun, Saturn is at the base of the middle finger, Jupiter is at the base of the index finger 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 beneficial. In addition the Sun represents firmness, brilliance, honour, respect and faith. These are the blessings achieved by applying Tilak with the ring finger. Venus gives life force, health, is the creator of new life and is the bestower of gentleness and politeness. This is achieved by applying Tilak with the thumb.

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