Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead? Why do we apply the holy ash?

Giving the explanation of customs in simple words. Thanks Raju sir for your right initiative for this platform of Toostep. May GOD bless you.
& thanks for referral, Swapna.

Wonderful info again, thanks sulagna

it's great to share, thnks swapna

Thanks Swapna for referral. Really nice details worth reading.

Mr.Raju, good Insight. Tnx Swapna for the ref.

Thanks swapna for referral.
really a nice and appreciable article....
Thanks to Mr. Raju for sharing this wonderful, knowlegable cultural article....

Thanks a lot Sapna for reffering such a nice article. 

Hi,I must take a contrary view and I'am not arguing for the sake of argument,most of what is said is a modern day interpretation and trying to find meaning behind rituals,if people benefit by this,then the cure is more 'psychosomatic' and a fulfilment of 'self fulfilling prophecy'.The body emanates electromagnetic waves in the 'infra-red' region in the form of heat,which is why heat sensing infra red sensors can 'see' in the dark,but then so does all living creatures.No scientific correlation has been brought to show that the forehead alone emanates more electromagnetic infra red waves,usually the exposed portions of the body will be disseminating more heat than the portions covered.The face as a whole is also more equipped to deal with cold,as in winters,we can to some extent,keep our face open,but cover the body.Tilak,pottu,bhasma are 'placebos' to keep your mind and body in good health,why?because you believe in it,its simple as that,trying to find 'scientific' meaning/correlation with cause and effect is at best,meta physical.cheers& regards

Thanks Swapna for referral.
Good information about our rituals.....

All these marks gives us lot of energy, positive vibes, lot of confidence and protection against negative things... Nice insight.. Thanks Swapna for referall

A very good insight.Traditional people follow what they observe doing their seniors and it passed on to generation over generation.
Thnaks,Swapna for referral.

That was mind blowing really.It was a great article. Thanks RAJU.

I know that every activity has some meaning, but as general it is a belief which shows and carry us on the right path of life...and i think this is what we all need. thanks for the wonderful article though!

Thanks for the referral. Modern science has an explanation for this kumkum custom of India. Neuroscience has identified that out of the many zones in ones brain a stable state of mind is achieved when the zones of prefrontal cortex is active and introspection occurs when this zone is connected to the orbitofrontal cortex through nucleus acumben. Prefrontal cortex is the zone close to the bhindi and that is where the wearers attention will always be focused to get 'local concentration' and stability without getting distracted by daily events.
It can also be considered as a ceremonial or renounciation or prohibitory behavior which is the hallmark of paranoids or neuropsychotics. Indian customs are full of such customs which has scientific outcomes achieved with such symptoms of paranoia.

Thanks, Swapna. It is good to understand the logic behind what custom teaches. That how once we may be able to get rid of blind faith  

Thanks to swapna Das for referral. special thanks to Mr Raju to give such valuble knowledge. I dont know how number of time i have put tilak on my forehead but I was not aware of the meaning behind it. thanks again.

AS THE HINDU TRADITION GOES ON TO SAY THAT THE PURPOSE OF TILAK KUMKUM  IS MAINLY TO WARD OF EVIL LOOKS.

thank you Mr.Raju and swapna for referring, this is a very goog article.

A very good article that is really appreciated .
The Hindu religion / custom is based on the scientific reason that everywhere in the world is recognizing now .........Uday Varnwal

Very good article. I thanks Raju V P and request to keeping continue. Also thanks to Swapna for reffering.

Thanks for referral Ms. Swapna Das,
In olden days, Resources were controlled by King and the Four Varnas (White, Red, Yellow, Black)existed more or less a red-tapism for its distribution & supply function. But, now we live in different world & I do not think that this faith will produce any constructive wonders.

Chandan tika on forehead keeps your mind cool. Chandan tilak also helps in meditating. Chandan Tika paste is the traditional sandal paste enriched with saffron and spring water.  For further importance of tilak, Refer to: 
http://ramsblog.wordpress.com/2006/02/02/2-why-do-we-wear-tilakkumkum-on-forehead/

These insights are really wonderful. I am sure people will be ore aware of the real reasons through your insights. thank you so much.

Dear Mr. Raju,  You have touched a very right subject, which is needed at this point in time when we see degeneration of our cultural values around!  Its good to share the significance, otherwise, people treat these aspects as illogical to follow!  Thanks for posting such useful information!

I am repeating my comment from my previous post: Dear All, Most of us follow our customs without knowing why we are doing it. And sometimes we do not know whom to approach. I came across this article before seven years and was able to understand some of our practices. Infact, this article gave me a thirst to know more about my own religion. I am reproducing it for the benefit of the interested readers. The complete article consists of answers to 22 questions. In case I reproduce everything in a single article, there are chances of some of the content being skipped. So I am reproducing it in parts. With warm regards, Raju V P