Applying a mark (tilak) of ash, sandalwood paste and other items on the forehead after a bath is an ancient tradition, mostly in southern part of India. There are several health and spiritual benefits by this custom, especially in making the mark in the middle of the forehead. This is the place where several important nerves join and experts say that a ‘tilak’ here would help remove stress, making the mind calm.

A different mark on each day

As per astrology, the mark on the forehead needs to be made with a different item on each day of the week to be blessed with health and wealth. For instance, on Sunday which is dedicated to the Sun God, the mark should be of sandalwood or red sandalwood. On Monday, Lord Shiva has to be propitiated and sacred ash is ideal. While men have to make the ash a little wet before applying it on the forehead, women can use in the dry form itself.

On Tuesday, wearing a sandal ‘tilak’ with a saffron dot in the middle is believed to usher in prosperity. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the mark has to be a mixture of turmeric and saffron. Thursday is dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu and sandal is the chosen ‘tilak’. The Goddess would be pleased if a devotee applies a saffron mark on Friday. On Saturday, Lord Hanuman has to be invoked with saffron ‘tilak’ and by chanting prayers in the deity’s honour.