In Sanatan Dharma, the application of tilak or bindi holds profound importance beyond its religious connotations; it serves as a spiritual practice embodying deep symbolism. Spiritual educator and influencer, Parveen Sharma, recently delved into the spiritual significance of the tilak, shedding light on its symbolic representation and the diverse rituals associated with its application.
Sharma, known for her insights on spirituality, shared on her Instagram page, @saiparveensharma, that the tilak represents the Bindu or Dot, symbolizing both the beginning and the end. Drawing from the Atharvana Upanishad, she emphasized that applying the tilak establishes a connection with the Paramatma or Supreme Self, underlining the cyclical nature of existence.
“The bindi absorbs all the negativity,” she explained in a video, emphasizing the ritual’s cleansing properties. Sharma detailed that the choice of color and the method of applying the tilak are intimately connected to one’s Ishta Devata, the personal deity worshipped by an individual. The fingers used for the application also play a role in this spiritual practice.
For example, the color red is associated with Shakti, and worshippers of Shakti Devi often apply red kumkum, igniting their inner Shakti with a dot between their eyebrows. Likewise, devotees of Lord Vishnu use chandan (sandalwood), while worshippers of Lord Shiva apply Bhasma (ashes), symbolizing the transient nature of the physical body.
“The tilak is an offering to your Ishta Devata,” Sharma remarked, reinforcing the personalized nature of this spiritual ritual. Regardless of the chosen deity, the application of the tilak is seen as a sacred act that transcends religious boundaries and connects individuals with the divine.
