You must have come across Hindus wearing red kumkum over bhasma on forehead. Similarly, there are Hindu devotees who wear red kumkum over chandan (sandalwood paste). There is a symbolism associated with applying bhasma, kumkum and chandan. Bhasma – Red Kumkum on Forehead Bhasma is associated with Lord Shiva. Red Kumkum is associated with Goddess Shakti (Durga) and her various manifestations. Applying Bhasma first and then applying red kumkum dot symbolically means the amalgamation of Shiva and Shakti – Shiva-Shakti-Samyogam. Chandan – Red Kumkum Forehead Chandan is associated with Lord Vishnu Applying Chandan first and then applying red kumkum dot symbolically means the amalgamation of Vishnu and Lakshmi – Vishnu-Lakshmi-Samyogam. Bhasma-Chandan-Red Kumkum Forehead Some Hindus first wear Bhasma, then chandan and then a red kumkum dot. This is a highly powerful symbol. It indicates the presence of Goddess Tripura Sundari. Bhasma, Chandan and Kumkum should be