The Tilak or Tilaka is a Hindu religious mark that is primarily seen on the forehead but may go on many parts of the body. The mark is usually made from some form of paste, powder, or ash; the ash often coming from burned wood, cow dung or incense. There are different tilaks or tilakas depending on which sampradaya (sect/denomination) one is apart of. In more ancient times the distinction between sampradaya was serious and austere. For instance, a Shaiva (a Hindu devoted to the worship of the god Shiva as the supreme being) and a Vaishnava (a Hindu devoted to the worship of the god Vishnu as the supreme being, especially in his incarnation as Krishna) would often have aggressive and contentious debates and a Shaiva wouldn't be seen in a Vaishnava shrine or temple or vice versa. Nowadays both shrines can be seen in one temple. The tilak represents the 6th Chakra, which is the crown chakra. It also represents the Third Eye, The Spirit's Eye, or the Soul's Eye. The Tilak or Tilaka can often be associated or confused with the bindi, which is primarily used for decoration, but can have similar symbolism.
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