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How To Keep Krishna Tilak In Hindu Religion?

 Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep and maintain a Krishna Tilak in the Hindu tradition.


What is Krishna Tilak?

The Krishna Tilak, also known as the Urdhva Pundra, is a sacred vertical mark typically applied on the forehead by devotees of Lord Krishna, especially in the Vaishnava tradition. It symbolizes devotion to Lord Krishna and marks the body as a temple of the divine.


Importance of Krishna Tilak

  1. Spiritual Significance: Represents Lord Krishna’s feet and His presence in the devotee’s life.
  2. Symbol of Purity: Encourages inner and outer cleanliness.
  3. Connection with Divinity: Strengthens the bond between the devotee and Krishna.
  4. Identity: A sign of belonging to the Vaishnava community.

Daily Routine for Applying Krishna Tilak

  1. Morning Bath: Begin with a bath to purify the body.

  2. Prepare Tilak Paste: Use clay (gopi chandan or sandalwood paste) associated with holy places like Vrindavan or Dwarka.

  3. Apply Tilak:

    • Sit facing east or north.
    • Form the Tilak using your ring finger.
    • Draw two vertical lines starting from the eyebrows, going upwards.
    • Add a vertical or oval mark in the middle, representing Krishna’s feet.
  4. Chant Mantras: While applying the Tilak, recite:

    • “Om Kesavaya Namah” (for the forehead).
    • Other names of Vishnu or Krishna can also be used for different body parts.

Practical Suggestions

  1. Clay Selection: Use gopi chandan or sandalwood paste, avoiding artificial substitutes.

  2. Discipline:

    • Apply Tilak after bathing.
    • Maintain a clean and prayerful mindset.
    • Avoid touching the Tilak unnecessarily throughout the day.
  3. Direction of Head:

    • Face east for spiritual energy.
    • Face north for calmness and clarity.
  4. For Daily Wear:

    • Apply Tilak in a way that is neat and symmetrical.
    • Ensure it is not too thick or smeared.

Benefits of Keeping Krishna Tilak

  1. Spiritual Benefits:

    • Strengthens faith and devotion.
    • Acts as a reminder of Krishna’s presence in all actions.
  2. Mental and Emotional:

    • Calms the mind and helps focus.
    • Provides a sense of spiritual identity and purpose.
  3. Physical Benefits:

    • Chandan paste has cooling properties.

Lesser-Known Facts

  1. Sacred Geometry: The shape of the Tilak aligns with spiritual energy points (chakras) in the forehead.
  2. Different Designs: Various Vaishnava sects have distinct Tilak designs.
  3. Historical Relevance: Ancient scriptures mention the Tilak as a mark of divine service.

Mantras and Prayers

While wearing Krishna Tilak, chanting specific mantras can enhance its spiritual potency:

  1. Hare Krishna Maha Mantra:

    • “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare,
      Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.”
  2. Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 Names of Lord Vishnu):

    • Reciting these names invokes divine protection and grace.
  3. Govinda Prayers:

    • “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
      A universal mantra for Lord Krishna.

Discipline for Krishna Devotees

  1. Sattvic Lifestyle:

    • Consume pure vegetarian food.
    • Avoid intoxicants and maintain cleanliness.
  2. Regular Prayers:

    • Perform puja daily with a focus on Krishna’s form and stories.
  3. Reading Scriptures:

    • Study the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and other Vaishnava texts.

Additional Practices

  1. Meditation: Meditate on Lord Krishna’s form or chant His names.
  2. Arati: Offer daily light to Krishna.
  3. Festivals: Participate in Krishna Janmashtami and other Vaishnava celebrations.

Incorporating these practices with sincerity can deepen your spiritual connection, making the Krishna Tilak more than a ritual—it becomes a living expression of devotion.