URDHVA PUNDRA TILAK

URDHVA PUNDRA TILAK

Urdhva Pundra tilak or ‘Udharva Marka’ is a yellow ‘U’ mark on the forehead made with sandalwood paste and a red dot in the centre usually made out of ‘kumkum’ (saffron) worn by members of the Swaminarayan ‘Sampradaya’. In this sandalwood yellow signifies the Swaminarayan's feet, while the red dot signifies Lakshmi. Females adore themselves only with the red dot and not the ‘U’ mark. The tilak or chandlo is worn on chest and arms chanting the ‘Vasudeva’, ‘Shankarsharna‘, ‘Pradyumna’ and ‘Aniruddha’. According to the Brahmanda Purana, the colours and manner of application of the tilak are significant: A black tilak will derive peace; a red tilak will bring obedience and control; a yellow one will bring wealth; one which is white will deliver devotion to Vishnu; a tilak of correct size, marked using one‘s fingers will offer the God’s support and blessing; a tilak in the centre of the forehead will bring youth and long life; the tilak made using the third finger will deliver joy and a bounded tilak will ultimately bring salvation".