New post (224) : Tilak – the 3rd eye.
If/when in doubt - use the ring finger for applying tilak.
Tilak : (Hinduism) a colored spot or mark worn by Hindus, esp on the forehead, often indicating membership of a religious sect, caste, etc., or (in the case of a woman) marital status. [from Sanskrit tilaka]
Hindu scriptures have designated specific fingers for applying tilak for different occasions:
1. Applying tilak with anamika [ring finger] gives peace.
2. Applying tilak with the middle finger provides long life.
3. Tilak applied with the thumb provides strength.
[That is why vijay tilak [tilak wishing victory] is applied with the thumb.]
4. Tilak applied with the index finger gives moksha.
[That is why the tilak to a dead body is applied with the index finger and the index finger is also used for tilak during the pinda daan and the Shraddha karma.]
*** The little finger is never used for applying tilak.
So - If / when in doubt – “Use the ring finger for applying tilak”.
Charlie Brown
