Pottu or Thilak or Bindi applied between eyebrows on the forehead by Indian women is very common.A bindi is usually a small or a big eye-catching round mark made on the forehead as adornment.
Indians both men and women attach great importance to this ornamental mark on the forehead between the two eyebrows — a spot considered a major nerve point in human body since ancient times.
The area between the eyebrows, the sixth chakra known as the ‘ajna’ meaning ‘command’, is the seat of concealed wisdom.
It is also believed that pressing the point between the eyebrows (Bhrumadhya) keeps away cold, cough headache, fatigue. Hence while applying Bindi; ladies would press Bhrumadhya to be physically fit. However, these days women use sticker bindis instead of kumkum powder that doesn\’t give the above benefit.
Thilak that the hindu men apply on their forehead represents auspiciousness. It can be made of sandal paste (chandan), sacred ashes (Vibhuti) or red turmeric (kumkum). The devotees of Shiva apply sacred ashes on the forehead, the devotees of Vishnu apply sandal paste (Chandanam), and the worshippers of Devi or Shakti apply Kumkum, a red turmeric powder.
In ancient India, Thilak was applied according to the occupation of the person; Brahmins applied Chandanam (sandal paste), Kshatriya Kumkum, Vaishya yellow kesar or turmeric and Shudra black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal powder Thilak.
The space between the two eyebrows is the site of Ajna Chakra, Sandal paste comes with great medicinal value, apart from acting as a cooling agent it is spiritually beneficial too. Chandanam reduces body heat when applied at the Bhrumadhya.
It is important for anyone to know before applying Thilak in this vital part of the body.It can harm you, if not understood what you are adorning on the forehead between the eyebrows.
More about Ajna chakra read on-
http://drpaulose.com/general/agnya-chakra-or-third-eye-chakra
