#11: The Bindi in Hinduism

What is a bindi?

A bindi is a forehead decoration worn in South Asia (particularly India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Mauritius) and Southeast Asia. Traditionally it is a bright dot of red colour applied in the centre of the forehead close to the eyebrows, but it can also consist of other colours with a sign or piece of jewellery worn at this location.

What is the significance of the area between the eyes?

Traditionally, the area between the eyebrows (where the bindi is placed) is said to be the sixth chakra, ajna, the seat of "concealed wisdom". The bindi is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration. The bindi also represents the third eye. It is also used in festivals such as Holi. According to Jabala upanishad "Avimukta"(i.e the middle of the eye-brows) is the abode of Brahman in all beings.

How is the bindi applied?

A traditional bindi is red or maroon in colour. A pinch of vermilion powder applied skillfully with a practiced fingertip makes a perfect red dot. It takes considerable practice to achieve the perfect round shape by hand. A small annular disc (perhaps a coin) aids application for beginners. First they apply a sticky wax paste through the empty centre of the disc. This is then covered with kumkum or vermilion and then the disc is removed to get a perfect round bindi. Various materials such as sandal, 'aguru', 'kasturi', 'kumkum' (made of red turmeric) and 'sindoor' (made of zinc oxide and dye) colour the dot. Saffron ground together with 'kusumba' flower can also work.