Tika, Pottu, Sindoor, Tilaka, Tilakam, and Kumkum, whatever may be the name, the more common word used is 'Bindi'. Historically speaking, bindi is derived from the Sanskrit word called "Bindu" meaning a dot or a point. If we travel back in time, we' come to know that, in ancient India, garlands were one of the most important parts of the evening-dress of both men and women. Later these garlands were teamed with a drop or bindi. Many people suggest bindi as the mystic third eye of a person. It is not just women who wear bindi; Hindu men too wear it in an elongated form.
When it comes to body decoration, the bindi is unquestionably one of the most visually fascinating forms, as it carries high significance in Hinduism. Hindus particularly attach great connotation to this patterned mark on the forehead between the two eyebrows. The reason behind bindi's placement on the forehead is that it signifies a spot considered a major nerve point in human body. Traditionally talking, the bindi is usually a small or a big dazzling round mark or any other shape stylishly made on the forehead as prettification. The area between the eyebrows is known as the 'agna' meaning 'command'. It is firmly known as the seat of concealed wisdom. It is the centre or focal point where all experience and concentration is gathered.
If we go by the tantric cult, during meditation the latent energy also known as kundalini rises from the base of the spine and moves towards the head. Moreover, it has been scientifically proved that the bindi strategically placed between the eyebrows retains the vital energy in the human body and even controls a high level of concentration. In short, you can say that the part of the body that the bindi occupies is the crucial point, which symbolizes auspiciousness and good fortune.
With the ever changing trends in fashion, not just Indian women but women worldwide have started trying out all sorts of shapes, colors, and designs. In the western world too, the bindi has now become a rage among youngsters and old alike. At times, you will find the bindi in a straight vertical line or an oval, a triangle or miniature artistry.
Bindis these days are available in a fine-tipped color stick, sprinkled with gold and silver powder, studded with beads and crusted with glitzy stones that can suit different moods and occasions. The bindi was traditionally a red dot worn as a symbol of marriage. Today, the bindi is no longer symbol for traditional values, it is more of a fashion statement and even unmarried Indian girls and women all over the world use it as a beauty accoutrement.
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