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Articles: Philosophy | Significance of bindi in between the Eyebrows
- Mrs. sharmila Sanka
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‘Bindi’ is derived from the Sanskrit word 'bindu' or a drop and represents the ‘Third Eye’ or spiritual sight which Hindus seek to awaken through yoga-union with God. Hindu tradition holds that all people have three eyes, the two outer ones used for seeing the outside world, the third one focusing inward toward God. As such, the red dot signifies piety as well as serving as a constant reminder to keep God in the front of a believer's thoughts. The bindi, when placed over the third eye area, represents that the person's soul has been purified through puja and he sees things through God's eyes (beyond the material word, he sees the divine in all beings). In another sense, it is often thought that it lights up in the astral world so that the devas can see you more clearly.
The area between the eyebrows, the sixth chakra known as the 'agna' meaning 'command', is the seat of concealed wisdom. It is the centre point wherein all experience is gathered in total concentration. According to the tantric cult, when during meditation the latent energy ('kundalini') rises from the base of the spine towards the head, this 'agna' is the probable outlet for this potent energy. The red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. It is also the central point of the base of the creation itself — symbolising auspiciousness and good fortune.
In southern India, girls choose to wear a bindi, while in other parts of India it is the prerogative of the married woman. Indian Women consider the bindi or Kumkum as a symbol of divine fortune (sumangal) and auspiciousness. Kum Kum powder is one of the three sacred elements applied to one's third eye area during puja. Men will also wear this after doing a puja or going to the temple. Kum Kum is made of powdered turmeric and lime juice.
The vermilion, traditionally used exclusively for bindis, is called 'sindura' or 'sindoor'. It means 'red', and represents Shakti (strength). Considered a blessed symbol of Uma or Parvati, a bindi signifies female energy (shakti) and is believed to protect women and their husbands. Traditionally a symbol of marriage. It also symbolizes love — one on the beloved's forehead lights up her face and captivates the lover. As a good omen, 'sindoor' is placed in temples or during celebrations along with turmeric (yellow) that stands for intellect especially in temples dedicated to Shakti, Lakshmi and Vishnu.
The age old belief of wearing dot in the form of kumkum is that the women work hard all day and are busy with household chores and all the heat in the head is absorbed by the dot on the forehead. The same applies to men too and so they used to wear it in the olden days.
The center of the forehead is the place where feelings of anger or frustration are shown and seen and so the dot hides such negative feelings inorder not to be seen by the men who come home after long hours of work.
'Sindoor' and 'kumkum' are of special significance on special occasions. The practice of using 'kumkum' on foreheads is mentioned in many ancient texts (Puranas), including Lalitha Sahasranamam and Soundarya Lahhari. Our religious texts, scriptures, myths and epics too mention the significance of 'kumkum'. Legends have it that Radha turned her 'kumkum' bindi into a flame-like design on her forehead, and in Mahabharata, Draupadi wiped her 'kumkum' off the forehead in despair and disillusion at Hastinapur.
Many people associate the red bindi with the ancient practice of offering blood sacrifices to appease the Gods. Even in the ancient Aryan society, a bridegroom made a 'tilak' mark on the bride's forehead as a sign of wedlock. The present practice could be an extension of that tradition. Significantly,when an Indian woman has the misfortune of becoming a widow, she stops wearing the bindi. she wears only sacred ash and no bindis.
Some people wonder as to why a widow doesn’t wear a bindi. Kumkum represents auspiciousness and fortune. A married woman’s auspiciousness and fortune are her husband; to lead a life of sumangali. When that fortune called husband is no more, she doesn’t see any point in wearing Kumkum as she doesn’t derive fortune or happiness from anything else in the world in the future.
Unmarried women and children wear black bindis. Also, if there is death in the family, the women folks' bindi-less face tells the community that the family is in mourning. May be women in mourning do not wear bindi inorder for them realise for a moment the pain of losing husband and to mould themselves not to hurt him and live every moment for him.
Though all women do not wear Kumkum in the present day modern world, it is better than not wearing a Bindi. The 3rd chakra called Agna chakra needs to be touched upon and it is fine even if we place modern bindis on that area. It still retains energy.
Thus Kumkum or Bindi has so much of significance in the Hindu religion.
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