Have You Ever Thought About The Logic Behind Applying Tilak?

In Hinduism, applying tilak is an very important and religious.Many Hindus put 'tilak' on their forehead. There are many designs of such tilaks. What is the significance of putting a tilak on forehead in Hindu religion? Is each design having a different meaning or is putting tilak of any design on the forehead having the same significance?

1. The Tilak is a mark of auspiciousness and invokes a feeling of respect in the wearer and others. It is generally recognized as a religious symbol and its form and colour varies according to one's caste, religious sect or the deity he/she follows.

2. The shape of the tilak also denotes the deity one worships.
Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan (sandalwood) tilak of the shape of "U", Shiva worshippers, a Tripundra (of the shape of "º") of bhasma; Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on.

3. The tilak is applied in the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and thought. It is known as the Aajna Chakra in the language of Yoga.

4. Applying tilak also is said to have scientific significance. The entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves especially the forehead and the spot between the eyebrows. The tilak cools the forehead, protects the wearer and prevents energy loss.

5. Applying sandal on the forehead during warm weather helps prevent headache due to heat. Applying holy ash during humid times and winter helps to prevent cold related illness like sinus headaches etc. Even now we apply 'Vicks' or 'Amrutanjan' at this point when we have headache.