Bindi (decoration)

Religious Significance and Symbolism

• The bindi is associated with the ajna chakra and represents the third eye.
• It is worn by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs from the Indian subcontinent.
• The bindi retains energy and strengthens concentration.
• The Nasadiya Sukta of the Rig Veda mentions the word 'Bindu.'
• It symbolizes the creation of the universe.
• The ajna chakra is the sixth chakra located between the eyebrows.
• It is associated with concealed wisdom and intuition.
• The bindu is the point around which the mandala representing the universe is created.
• The pineal gland, linked to the ajna chakra, produces the hormone melatonin.
• Ajna deals with balancing the higher and lower selves and accessing inner guidance.
• Bhrumadhya is the point in the center of the forehead, also known as the third eye.
• It helps with concentration and focus.
• In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, divinities are depicted with their gaze focused between the eyebrows.
• It is associated with the Ajna Chakra and Bindu.
• The traditional bindi represents and preserves symbolic significance in Indian mythology.
• The red bindi is a cosmetic mark used to enhance beauty.
• It represents honor, love, and prosperity in Hinduism.
• It is worn to help concentration during meditation.
• The point between the eyebrows is where one focuses sight for concentration.
• Swami Muktananda describes it as the Gurus seat and the command center for spiritual practice.

Traditional Application and Materials

• A traditional bindi is red or maroon in color.
• Vermilion powder is applied with a ring finger to create the dot.
• Various materials like lac, sandal, aguru, mica, and kumkum color the bindi.
• Ornamental bindis were made and sold by lac workers.
• In Hinduism, the bindi is part of the lucky trousseau at marriages and is worn by married women.

Types of Bindis

• Felt or thin metal adhesive bindis are simple to apply and disposable substitutes for older lac tikli bindis.
• Sticker bindis come in various colors, designs, materials, and sizes.
• In Maharashtra, a large crescent moon-shaped bindi is worn with a smaller black dot underneath or above, known as Chandrakor.
• In Bengal, a large round red bindi is worn, often accompanied by Alpana designs on the forehead and cheeks.
• In southern India, a smaller red bindi is worn with a white tilak at the bottom, and a red tilak-shaped bindi is also common.

Regional Variations of the Bindi

• In Maharashtra, the large crescent moon-shaped bindi is associated with Chandrabindu and Bindu chakra.
• In Bengal, a large round red bindi is popular.
• In southern India, a smaller red bindi is worn with a white tilak at the bottom.
• In Rajasthan, round and long tilak-shaped bindis are common.
• Decorative bindis have become popular among women in South Asia, regardless of religious background.

Bindis in Other Asian Regions and Bengali Culture

• Bindis are worn by Balinese, Javanese, and Sundanese people in Indonesia.
• The practice of wearing bindis in Indonesia originated from the influence of Indianized Hindu kingdoms.
• Other Indianized kingdoms in Southeast Asia also adopted the practice of wearing bindis.
• Bindis are worn by brides and grooms in Java and other parts of Indonesia, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
• Bindis are part of Bengali culture, and women in West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh adorn themselves with teeps.
• Teeps, similar to bindis, are part of Bengali culture in West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh.
• Teeps are worn irrespective of religious affiliation and are popular in various celebrations and occasions.
• The colors of teeps vary depending on the occasion, such as red and white for Pohela Boishakh and green, orange, and yellow for Pohela Falgun.
• Bengali brides traditionally wear Kolka Tip on their forehead in Bangladesh.
• Muslim Sindhi women in Sindh, Pakistan, traditionally apply black dots or lines called Tikro or Tilk for beautification and tradition.

Modern Use of Bindis

• Bindis and other religious markings are worn by recent Hindu converts like Hare Krishnas.
• Bindis are sometimes worn purely for decorative purposes or as a style statement without any religious or cultural affiliation.
• Decorative and ornamental bindis have been introduced to other parts of the world by immigrants from the Indian subcontinent.
• International celebrities such as Gwen Stefani, Julia Roberts, Madonna, and Selena Gomez have been seen wearing bindis.
• The appropriateness of wearing bindis as a fashion accessory has been disputed, with some Hindu leaders emphasizing their religious significance.

Bindi (decoration) Data Sources