Tilaka - The Mark of Vishnu

One should decorate the body with tilaka, which is the sign of the Vaiñëavas. The idea is that as soon as a person sees these marks on the body of the Vaiñëava, he will immediately remember Kåñëa. Lord Caitanya said that a Vaiñëava is he who, when seen, reminds one of Kåñëa. Therefore, it is essential that a Vaiñëava mark his body with tilaka to remind others of Kåñëa.) [NoD: 6]

There was once a factory in India where all the workers were Hindus, and mostly Vaiñëavas. The Vaiñëavas had freedom, therefore, to wear their Vaiñëava tilaka to work, and they also displayed other Vaiñëava paraphernalia. But after some time, the factory went into new management, and then the proprietor was a Muslim. On taking over the business, the Muslim owner declared that he would not allow the workers to come to work any more wearing Vaiñëava tilaka. Most of the workers obeyed, and on the given date announced by the owner, they appeared at the factory without their tilaka. One employee, however, thought that he would take his chances and depend on Kåñëa. So he went to work wearing very clear, white Vaiñëava tilaka. After seeing all the workers assembled, the new Muslim proprietor said, "This one devotee who has worn Vaiñëava tilaka is very courageous. He may be permitted to continue wearing the tilaka to work. But all others are forbidden to wear it any more.

Every soldier has got a uniform dress according to the army etiquette of regulation. Therefore, the army of Krishna Consciousness must have at least the tilak on the forehead in all conditions. [Letter to: Robert Hendry, Los Angeles, Aug 3, 1969]

In Padma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:

çaìkha-cakrädy-ürdhva-puëòra-dhäraëädy-ätma-lakñaëam

tan näma-karaëaà caiva vaiñëavatvam ihocyate

After initiation, the disciple’s name must be changed to indicate that he is a servant of Lord Viñëu. The disciple should also immediately begin marking his body with tilaka (ürdhva-puëòra), especially his forehead. These are spiritual marks, symptoms of a perfect Vaiñëava.

To know the procedure for marking the body with Tilaka click here.