Bindi : The Essence of Indian Civilization

 Bindi : The Essence of Indian Civilization

 

The Bindi  or  Tikka adorning the  forehead  in the space in between the eyebrows of Women in India specially married Women is often misunderstood as a mere symbol of marital status, but its origins are rooted deeply in ancient Indic science rather than social custom. It is positioned specifically at the Ajna Chakra (he energy center between the eyebrows), the "third eye" or mystic center of our being

In Hindu tradition, this point is considered the gateway for prana (life force). The significance of this location is highlighted during funeral rituals, where the skull is symbolically pierced to allow the life force to depart through the Brahmarandhra, a point where thousands of subtle energy channels (nerves)  converge . The practice of applying bindi serves  two primary scientific purposes:

1.  Activating the Life Force: By applying pressure or pigments to this point, the spiritual center remains active and energized .

2. Harnessing Solar Energy: The traditional red color is specifically used to absorb the " energy" of the sun . Historically, this was not gender-specific; men also wore bindis to fill themselves with solar vitality

In daily life, women traditionally reapplied the bindi several times to maintain this energy connection. They would apply it in the morning while offering water to the sun, reapply it if it washed away after cooking at the Chulha, and again in the evening—ensuring their spiritual center remained constantly revitalized . This continuous cycle of reapplication served as a "spiritual anchor," reminding the wearer to keep their thoughts focused on the divine and their higher purpose, even amidst mundane household activities

 - Pankaj Mala Bhattacharya