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Yogis and swamis flock to Sangam for Ardh Kumbh
by Virendra Pathak

     Allahabad: Thousands of swamis have congregated at Allahabad to take a holy dip during the 42-day Ardh Kumbh festival. This is the biggest bathing festival after main Kumbh. The Tilak, the vermillion streak or sandalwood-cum- turmeric is a captivating sight for all. The Tilak has great mythological significance for Hindus. Lord Shiva, the God of destruction, is believed to have had third eye in the centre of his forehead, where today people put the Tilak.

    The opening of the mythical "third-eye" by Lord Shiva is believed to have destroyed the Three Worlds. In Hinduism, the tilak is a mark of auspiciousness. It is put on the forehead with sandal paste, sacred ashes or kumkum (vermillion). Devotees of Shiva apply the sacred ashes (Bhasma) on the forehead, while the devotees of Lord Vishnu apply sandal paste (Chandan). The worshippers of Devi or Shakti apply vermillion. For many Hindu priests and hermits, the "Tilak" is the point of concentration of spiritual energy and protection against bad luck. "This "Tilak" is the main "Tripundra", a mark signifying "Shaivaites" or followers of Shiva. Whoever wears this on his or her forehead even for a day, washes away the sins of one lifetime," claimed Brahmaswarup Brahmachari, a holy man. Followers of different faiths have different ways of applying the Tilak. "The "Tilak" that I am wearing signifies Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. There are several other types of "Tilaks". In the Vaishnav Sect alone, there are four types of tilak. But the main purpose is salvation," added Vishweshwar Tyagi.

    Tilak is applied at the Ajna Chakra, the space between the two eyebrows. It has a very cooling effect. The application of sandal paste also has great medicinal value, apart from spiritual influence. It is said to nullify the heating effect when you concentrate and meditate at the Bhrumadhya. There are various methods of applying theTilak. Shaivas apply three horizontal lines using sacred ash. The vaishnavas apply three vertical lines (Tripundra) on the forehead. Some Vaishnavas apply only one vertical line. The method of application is the only thing that differs. The bathing festival falls midway between the "Maha Kumbh Mela" or the Great Pitcher Festival, which is celebrated every 12 years.
-Jan 9,  2007

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