Significance of Tilak
In the Vaishnava tradition devotees wear the urdhva pundra made of gopi chandan commonly known as tilak.
"Tilaka means victory personified."
By wearing tilak not only does one identify ones body as the temple of the Lord but also one is blessed by the
auspicious protection of the Lord. Not only is the wearer immensely benefited but even those who see the tilak marks are benefited.
“In Kali-yuga one can hardly acquire gold or jeweled ornaments, but the twelve tilaka marks on the body are sufficient as auspicious decorations
to purify the body. “ SB 4.12.28 Purport
Srila Prabhupada emphasized that tilak was part of the essential dress of a devotee.
“I have no objection if members of the Society dress like nice American gentlemen; but in all circumstances a devotee cannot avoid tilaka, flag on
head (shikha) and (tulasi) beads on the neck. These are the essential features of a Vaisnava."
Tilak is applied with the Lord’s holy names thus giving protection to the whole body.
“While decorating the body with tilaka, we give protection to the body by chanting twelve names
of Vishnu. Although Govinda, or Lord Vishnu, is one, He has different names and forms with which to act differently.” SB 10.6.27-29
"Persons who are decorated with tilaka or gopī-candana and who mark their bodies all over with the holy names of the Lord, and on whose necks and