Tilaka

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions | 1997 | 503 words | Copyright

Tilaka or puṇḍra. Marks in Hinduism, made on the body, usually the forehead, to indicate caste or sect membership. The single spot of red, white, or yellow in the middle of the forehead is the sign of marriage. Lines of ash (puṇḍra) are worn by male ascetics, three vertical lines in V formation for devotees of Viṣṇu, three horizontal lines for those of Śiva, twelve to different parts of the body for those of Śrī-Kṛṣṇa.

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JOHN BOWKER. "Tilaka." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 13 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN BOWKER. "Tilaka." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (February 13, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Tilaka.html

JOHN BOWKER. "Tilaka." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Tilaka.html

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