The revered gathering of bathers at the Triveni convergence in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh is an awe-inspiring sight. With chants of 'Har Har Gange' and 'Har Har Mahadev' resonating through the air, devotees plunge into the sacred waters. Post-bath, they perform devout invocations and receive tilak from pandits or priests at the ghats. This ritual mark holds ancient cultural significance.
The Significance of Tilak in Indian Culture
Tilak stands as a spiritual emblem in Indian tradition, created with sandalwood, ash, turmeric, or vermilion. It is believed to purify the mind and enrich concentration, serving as a conduit of divine energy, not just for saints, but for all. The importance of tilak is elaborated in epics like the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana.
The Imperative of Tilak
The ancient scriptures emphasize the necessity of tilak in the realm of spiritual rituals. Without it, ceremonies like bathing, donating, meditating, chanting, sacred fire rituals, ancestral rites, and especially pilgrimages remain incomplete and ineffective.'Bathing, donating, chanting, fire rituals, deity worship, ancestor rites... All are futile without the tilak on the forehead.'
Identifying Saints by Their Tilak
In Indian culture, the tilak transcends religious symbols, marking personal identification, sect affiliation, and spiritual depth. At Maha Kumbh, each saint wears a distinct tilak, reflective of their spiritual pursuits. Discovering the different types of tilak is intriguing.
Source: aajtak
Various Tilaks of Saints
Tripundra Tilak:
Crafted with ash into three parallel lines, this tilak is donned by Shaiva or Shiva devotees. The lines represent the Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—and the three qualities of life—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.
Urdhva Pundra Tilak:
Formed with sandalwood or saffron, this U-shaped tilak belongs to Vaishnava followers, symbolizing devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Shakti Path Tilak:
Made with kumkum or turmeric in red hues, it is favored by Shakti sects, goddess devotees, and tantriks, depicting power and energy.
Ramanandi Tilak:
A vertical line akin to 'Urdhva Pundra' with a red dot, sported by Ram devotees within the Ramanand sect, encapsulating Ram worship and the Vaishnav tradition.
Agni Putra Tilak:
An ash-made, flame-shaped mark worn by Aghori saints, it symbolizes ascetic worship and the inner fire of the soul.
Naga Saints' Tilak:
Naga saints cover their bodies in ash and don Tripundra or other Shaiva tilaks, signifying renunciation and penance.
Gaudiya Vaishnav Tilak:
A sandalwood 'Urdhva Pundra' adorned with a tulsi leaf symbol at the center, distinct to Gaudiya Vaishnav followers.
Source: aajtak
Recognizing Saints by Their Tilak at Kumbh
Kumbh Mela, a grand spiritual gathering, attracts saints from diverse sects. Their tilaks provide insight into their sects and worship practices. A Tripundra denotes a Shaiva saint, while a sandalwood 'Urdhva Pundra' signals a Vaishnava follower. Crimson kumkum or sindur suggests a goddess devotee or tantrik. Naga saints, as principal attractions at Kumbh, exhibit ascetic nuances through their ash-covered beings and Shaiva tilaks.
The Ritual and Rules of Applying Tilak
Tilak is applied with purity and faith. Before applying, saints bathe and meditate, accompanying each tilak with a chant or mantra.
'Kasturi Tilakam Lalat Patale, Vakshasthale Kaustubham.'
This verse, dedicated to Lord Krishna, extols his virtues while depicting the tilak's contours on his forehead. It speaks of musk tilak on the forehead, Kaustubha gem on the chest, a pearl adorning the nose, bangles on the wrists, and a flute in hand, symbolically requesting Krishna's embrace akin to these adornments.
Rules of Applying Tilak
As per scriptures, each finger holds significance in applying tilak. Seekers of liberation apply with the thumb; those desiring wealth use the middle finger. For peace and joy, the ring finger applies the mark. Superior creation receives the middle finger's touch; victory over foes entails using the index finger on the forehead. Ideally, the annular finger—adjacent to the pinky—applies the tilak. When marking another's forehead, employ the thumb.
Source: aajtak
The Spiritual Essence of Tilak
Tilak, beyond identity, reflects a saint's diligent path toward spiritual enlightenment, placed on the Ajna Chakra—a hub of energy in the body. It infuses positive vibes, bridging the soul's connection to divinity. As a crucial identifier in spiritual congregations like the Kumbh, tilak is symbolic not merely of ancient customs but of deep-rooted cultural heritage. Embellishing saints, it mirrors their dedication, strategic insights, and spiritual depth.
