Tilaka or Pundraka is a ritual mark on the forehead, of sandalwood paste, coloured earth or vermilion. It is a sign of sectarian distinction, and of auspiciousness.
The spot between the brows where the tilaka is applied is considered the seat of latent wisdom and mental concentration, which is very important for worship. This is the spot on which yogis meditate to become one with Brahman. It also indicates the point at which the spiritual eye opens. All thoughts and actions are said to be governed by this spot.The tilaka, initially of either sandalwood paste or some other cool substance, was applied on this spot to keep it cool so that man could be of stable mind and thought. Most Hindu scholars, even today, sport a sandalwood paste tilaka.
As various sects arose with time, it was the tilaka that indicated sectarian distinctions.
For instance, the devotees of Shiva apply three horizontal lines of vibhuti (sacred ash) on their forehead. This is to remind themselves of the God`s threefold nature of creation, preservation and destruction. The ashes also indicate his main function: destruction.
The devotees of Vishnu apply three vertical lines of sandalwood. This is the sign of his preservation and protection.
The devotees of Devi (Shakti) apply the kumkum, which is a round or slightly elongated red mark. This evokes the supreme power of Adi Parashakti, the Universal Mother, from whom all life and energy, even the power of the Trinity , is believed to emanate. For the lay worshipper, the most common tilaka these days is the one applied ritually after a puja or arati, of red kumkum or sandalwood paste.