BINDI: A Dot as an Intersection Of Cultural Legacies

Even if you are not familiar with the term “BINDI,” we are certain you’ve at least seen it before.

There is a rich cultural history behind the Bindi, originating from Indian culture. The bindi is a symbol that holds significant meaning, more than a fashion statement as many people make it out to be.

While it was traditionally worn by Hindu women and was often indicative of their caste, religion, and marital status, it has been a global phenomenon for a while 

So where does the word 'bindi' come from?

What does a bindi symbolize?

And what does it mean when a woman wears a bindi?

Let's answer these questions_

The Bindi, also known as Tikli, is a decorative mark worn in the middle of the forehead. The word bindi is believed to have its origin in ancient Sanskrit texts on face decoration. Also, it has spiritual implications of being the point of unity of the cosmos in ancient Hindu philosophy.

The term stems from the Sanskrit word Bindu, which means drop or particle. Because of the many languages and dialects spoken throughout India, it is important to note that bindis are otherwise known by many other names, including kumkum, sindoor, teep, tikli, and bottu. However, the meaning behind the ornament, regardless of region or language, remains the same.

The traditional material used for the bindi were vermilion, sandalwood, and ash. Though the bindi used to only be a red dot, often made of turmeric, many South Asians today prefer to wear a gemstone or something similar. Generally, women wear bindis, however, men can wear them as well if they wish to, especially for religious practices or celebrations. 

Every state of India has its style and substance of which bindi is made. You can see people from south India wearing bindis of white color, it is made up of sandalwood (Chandan). Brides of Bengal wear red and white bindi, that white bindi is also made up of sandalwood. Applying Chandan ( sandalwood paste ) bindi is believed to bring good fortune and help one stay calm and composed. 

People usually wear bindis that match their outfits nowadays, whereas, in the past, it used to be a much narrower selection, typically exclusively the red dot. There are also a variety of designs, including swirls, jewels, and different shapes instead of the perfect circle. 

Now the question is why is it only worn on the forehead? 

It is believed that the creation of human beings has originated from the center of the forehead where the bindi is worn and it's a sacred symbol of the cosmos. Asians have a strong belief that the bindi is the dot around which the mandala is created which signifies the whole universe and represents the third eye. It also helps in concentrating well and contracting energy.

Around 3000 BC, the rishi-muni (ancient seers of Hinduism) wrote the Vedas, in which they described the existence of areas of concentrated energy called the chakras. Seven main chakras run along the center of the body, and the sixth one (called the ajna chakra, the “brow chakra” or “third eye chakra”) occurs exactly where the bindi is placed.

The third eye chakra, also known as the Ajna chakra in Hinduism and Jainism, is deeply connected to mythological history. Ideals of the Buddhist goddess Tara can be seen with Ajna Bharumadhy Bindu on her forehead. Bhrumadhya is a place where the bindi is worn which is referred to as a third eye and center of consciousness.  

Thus, the bindi’s purpose is to enhance the powers of this chakra, specifically by facilitating one’s ability to access their inner wisdom or guru, allowing them to see the world and interpret things in a truthful, unbiased manner as well as forsake their ego and rid their false labels.

Hindu tradition holds that all people have a third inner eye. The two physical eyes are used for seeing the external world, while the third focuses inward toward God. As such, the red dot signifies piety as well as serves as a constant reminder to keep God at the center of one’s thoughts. 

In modern times, however, the bindi’s symbolism is no longer strictly adhered to. Bindis now come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and are used mainly as beauty accessories.

This evokes the question of cultural appropriation, as many Hollywood celebrities (Vanessa Hudgens, Gwen Stefani, Selena Gomez) have begun wearing the bindi as a fashion statement. While some individuals with traditional bindi-wearing cultures criticize this act, others view it simply as an attempt to embrace Indian culture!!!!!!!

As proven,

the BINDI is more than just a red dot.

Wrapping the thoughts up while looking into some of the most relevant significances of Indian women wearing Bindi-

1. The colors of Bindi play a vital role as symbols in Hinduism. Red Bindi, usually worn by married women, is a sign of offering sacrifice to gain the blessings of the Gods and Goddesses. 

2. Women wear bindi during marriage ceremonies or festivals. It is a way of showing their success in life, prosperity, and love.

3. A woman adorns it during her marriage as a sign of depicting her spirit of womanhood. 

4. The area between our eyebrows is the location of the Ajna Chakra or the sixth Chakra. It helps in enhancing the energy ow through our bodies and also strengthens them.

5. The point between our eyebrows represents the third eye. You can connect with the divinity by wearing a bindi made from Kumkum, Chandan, or any other natural source.

6. The root word associated with Bindi is Bindu, which refers to the point where the creation of the world started. When we wear a Bindi, it is a method of embracing the different creations of the universe.

7. Bindi helps to improve concentration, focus and also aids in calming the mind. When we use an artificial one, it cannot assist us

With this piece of profound knowledge about the religious and cultural meaning behind the ornament, you now could, by all means, flaunt that Bindi! As if you do not know the symbolism behind the dot or don’t care to learn about it, there’s no reason to wear it.