Bindi

I somewhere read this poll: does a woman look more beautiful with a bindi on her fore head?
I would say undoubtedly a big "YES" with my head nodding agreeably.

Well there is a fun part too.While we were at Hyderabad we saw most girls with tight jeans and spagetti tops with a big bindi on their forehead.Is it a style statement..i laughed inwardly looking at them but then it wasnt one or 2 girls but it is something that doesnt go with my idea of fashion.All said and done I do love bindis but mostly on sarees and churidaars.


Hindus attach great importance to this ornamental mark on the forehead between the two eyebrows -- a spot considered a major nerve point in human body since ancient times।
The bindi is arguably the most visually fascinating of all forms of body decoration.

The Red Dot : It is the prerogative of the married woman in India. A red dot on the forehead is an auspicious sign of marriage and guarantees the social status and sanctity of the institution of marriage. The Indian bride steps over the threshold of her husband's home, bedecked in glittering apparels and ornaments, dazzling the red bindi on her forehead that is believed to usher in prosperity, and grants her a place as the guardian of the family's welfare and progeny

A Hot Spot! : The area between the eyebrows, the sixth chakra known as the 'agna' meaning 'command', is the seat of concealed wisdom. It is the centre point wherein all experience is gathered in total concentration. According to the tantric cult, when during meditation the latent energy ('kundalini') rises from the base of the spine towards the head, this 'agna' is the probable outlet for this potent energy. The red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. It is also the central point of the base of the creation itself — symbolizing auspiciousness and good fortune.

More on science of Bindi : The term is derived from bindu, the Sanskrit word for a dot or a point. It is usually a red dot made with vermilion (finely powdered bright red mercuric sulphide). Considered a blessed symbol of Uma or Parvati the goddess,wife of lord Shiva, a bindi signifies female energy (shakti) and is believed to protect women and their husbands. Traditionally a symbol of marriage (hence the widows did not wear vermilion), it has now become a decorative item and is worn today by unmarried girls and women of other religions as well. No longer restricted in color or shape, bindis today are seen in many colors and designs and are manufactured with self-adhesives and felt.

just an after thought : though I dont understand the consanguine as to why widows were stopped from applying the vermillion.why dont people just think out of the bracket ? अरे, girls apply vermillion from their birth isnt it their right? how can someone stop widows from applying vermillion? trust me its still prevelant in most part of the country Foolish people foolish followings and foolish prepositions !