Bindi

A bindi is a bright dot of some colour applied in the centre of the forehead close to the eyebrows or in the middle of the forehead that is worn in the Indian subcontinent (particularly amongst Hindus in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka)[3] and Southeast Asia among Balinese, Javanese, Sundanese, Malaysian, Singaporean, Vietnamese, and Myanmar Hindus.

A similar marking is also worn by babies and children in China and, as in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, represents the opening of the third eye.

[12] The Ajna is symbolised by a sacred lotus with two petals, and corresponds to the colours violet, indigo or deep blue, though it is traditionally described as white.

It is at this point that the two sides Nadi Ida (yoga) and Pingala are said to terminate and merge with the central channel Sushumna, signifying the end of duality, the characteristic of being dual (e.g. light and dark, or male and female).

[5] Divinities in these religions are typically depicted with Bhrumadhya Bindu, in meditative pose with their eyes nearly closed show the gaze focused between eyebrows, other spot being the tip of the nose—Naasikagra.

The Islamic Research Foundation, located in India, has had to state "wearing a bindi or mangalsutra is a sign of Hindu women.

The traditional bindi still represents and preserves the symbolic significance that is integrated into Indian mythology in many parts of India."

Various materials such as lac, sandal, 'aguru', mica, 'kasturi', kumkum (made of red turmeric) and sindoor colour the dot.

[21] In Hinduism, it's part of the Suhāg or lucky trousseau at marriages and is affixed to the girl's forehead on her wedding and thereafter always worn.

[20] In modern times, self-adhesive bindis are available in various materials, usually made of felt or thin metal and adhesive on the other side.

[22] In addition to the bindi, in India, a vermilion mark in the parting of the hair just above the forehead is worn by married women as a symbol of life-long commitment to their husbands.

The Indonesian practice of wearing a bindi originated from the cultural influence brought about by the Indianized Hindu kingdoms that once ruled Indonesia.

As an amulet believed to protect against evil-eye, these dots are called Tikro or Tilk (singular), or Tikra (plural).

In modern times, stick-on bindiyas of different shapes and designs have become very common in rural Sindh, and are applied by both Muslims and Hindus.

Back in time in Sindh the brides were applied many dots of "Tira" (moles) drawn upon their face and lips with needles dipped in antimony and other colouring matters.

[32] The type of forehead tattoo called Khaal or Sheen Khal was also common among Afghan and Pashtun women,[33][34] although it is no longer done for religious reasons.

[37] International celebrities such as Gwen Stefani, Julia Roberts,[38] Madonna,[39] Selena Gomez and many others have been seen wearing bindis.

Hindu woman in Kullu , Himachal Pradesh wearing a bindi
Female figure with bindi ornament, terracotta, 200–250 BCE
Goddess Tara depicted with Ajna Bhrumadhya Bindu known as inner gaze . Bhrumadhya is the point in the centre of the forehead commonly referred to as the third eye, or centre of consciousness [ 5 ]
Relief from stupa, 2nd century B.C. Only female figures were marked with the sacred lotus during this period
Bride with decorative bindis and maang tika between hair parting where married women apply sindoor .
Ornamental bindis were made and sold by lac workers known as Lakhera .
Courtesan Bani Thani as Radha with ornamental bindi spangle, c. 1750
A Balinese dancer with a white bindi
Bengali girl from Bangladesh wearing Teep on the occasion of Pohela Boishakh
Bindis and other religious affiliated markings are worn by recent Hindu converts like Hare Krishnas . [ 35 ]
Tamil woman wearing bindi