What is Tilak – Chandlo?
Tilak – chandlo is a representation of the Swaminarayan sect. It is the foremost distinguished identity of the sect. It is marked on the foreheads of every saint and devotee who belongs to the sect. Sandalwood powder is used to do the tilak, while chandlo is done with kumkum powder.

“Tilu (tilak – chandlo), topi (hat), and tutiyu (a type of disease) have come together and shall leave together as well,” said everyone about 1 ½ - 2 sauka ago. The three things were pretty new at the time. People had seen various emblems; vertical, horizontal, diagonal, sandalwood powder, kumkum powder, etc. But it was for the first time that people had seen the urdhvapundra tilak – chandlo. Therefore, people were quite intrigued by it. People had similar feelings about the topi and tutiyu During that time, people had only seen turbans. The British Raj had recently arrived in Gujarat. To protect themselves from the sun, the men used to wear English hats (the kind that people from Gujarat had never seen before). Thus, those hats fascinated the people.Lastly, a disease called tutiyu had an epidemic outbreak, causing many deaths due to ineffective treatment and medication. It was a disease that the people had never encountered before.These three events co-occurring in Gujarat created false assumptions among the people. Some beliefs were true, while many were proven to be wrong and were discarded. Commonly the people said that the three have come together and shall leave together as well. Topi and tutiyu left, but tilu did not. Not only did it lay it's base strong in India, but it also expanded to the other parts of the world. The tilu (tilak – chandlo) today has become the trademark of the Swaminarayan sect.

Supreme Lord Swaminarayan, Himself, has said, "I have brought this tilak – chandlo from Akshardham,” therefore, it is an essential part of the Swaminarayan sect. It is a symbol of pride given to His devotees by Lord Swaminarayan. Tilak – chandlo represents a forever devotion of a devotee to Lord Swaminarayan. A devotee feels proud while wearing it on the forehead. Tilak – Chandlo is the identity of Lord Swaminarayan. It signifies faith and trust. It is a symbol that one hundred and one percent (101 %) guarantees atyantik kalyan (ultimate salvation). Lord Swaminarayan, Himself used to wear the tilak – chandlo, which is evident from the 14th Vachnamrut of Gadhada middle chapters in the Vachnamurt scripture. It describes, "On the day of Bhadarva sud pratipda, samvat 1878, Lord Swaminarayan wore a beautiful kumkum chandlo.”

In the present day, among the entire community, the distinctiveness of our Gurudev Bapji and his saints lies in a certain manner and style that shines uniquely. They carry many remarkable traits with great dignity, which sets them apart from others. The first and foremost aspect one notices is the unique big round mark adorning their forehead – the Tilak and chandlo. This first impression signifies the distinctiveness of our saints. Someone asked Gurudev Bapji, "Why do you mark such a large chandlo?"

To this, Gurudev P.P. Bapji replied, "Our beloved deity is great, our Guru is great, our devotion is great, our state of eternal liberation is great, our principles are great, our conduct is also great; if everything about us is great, then why should our Tilak, our chandlo, be small? Hence, our Tilak, our chandlo, is also grand. Moreover, if a saint makes a big Tilak, then even from a distance, someone can easily recognize them. However, some might sarcastically say, 'Looks like they're Swaminarayanis!', it's better to have a big Tilak rather than a small one, like a small dot on the forehead." The glory of the Tilak and Chandlo

The Glory of the Tilak-Chandlo

There were once three distinguished figures in India: The Prime Minister Gulzarilal Nanda, Anant sayanam Ayyangar, who served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for 14 years, and the Chief Election Commissioner Gopalaswami, who retired after the recent Lok Sabha elections. Despite their vastly different roles in the political sphere and their distinct methods of working, there was one ‘special’ thing common among them. You might wonder what that was. These three dignitaries, hailing from different states of India, shared a unique trait: they all bore the mark of their chosen deity on their foreheads without any shame or hesitation.

Among them, Prime Minister Gulzarilal Nanda prominently displayed the Swaminarayan Tilak-Chandlo on his forehead. It was his daily practice to do the Tilak-Chandlo. It is noteworthy that despite holding secular values, the highest head of India proudly wore a religious symbol on his forehead. This speaks volumes about the esteem they had for the Tilak-Chandlo and the unmatched reverence for their deity in their hearts.

Why Feel Ashamed of Doing the Tilak-Chandlo?

>Today's modern (or misguided) teenagers and young generation often feel embarrassed when asked to do the Tilak-Chandlo. They dismiss it as an outdated or orthodox practice. College students, upon hearing about the Tilak-Chandlo, often show signs of shame as if they have committed some disgraceful act, feeling a sense of inferiority and making faces. This shows how the young generation (though not all) lacks pride in doing the symbol given by their beloved deity.

Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, proudly wears a turban, which is a symbol of the Sikh religion. Does he feel inferior or ashamed doing this religious symbol? Absolutely not, he does it with pride. So why should there be any shame in doing the Tilak-Chandlo? Shame should be felt only when committing disgraceful acts like theft or being involved in debauchery.

Many so-called intellectuals today argue that religion is an internal matter and does not need to be displayed publicly. While it is true that religion is an internal and personal matter, anything deeply rooted in one's soul naturally manifests outwardly. If someone has eaten garlic, its smell inevitably comes out. When one acquires something new, they usually show it off to a few people. Similarly, if one's devotion and worship are deeply ingrained, why wouldn't it be displayed? If it doesn’t, then it is hypocrisy and pretense, a sign of internal emptiness. However, not all who do the Tilak-Chandlo are internally rich in their faith. There are exceptions where individuals bring shame to our pure tradition through their poor conduct. Those who do the Tilak-Chandlo should be especially careful that their words, behavior, and actions do not disgrace our sect, our deity, or our Guru. We are different from the rest of the world. Doing the Tilak-Chandlo increases our responsibility compared to others.

Command of the Tilak-Chandlo

In the Shikshapatri, Shriji Maharaj provides detailed instructions regarding the Tilak-Chandlo in verses 41, 42, and 43. He instructs, "Men should apply sandalwood paste (Tilak) on the forehead, both arms, and chest, and make a round Kumkum Chandlo in the middle of the Tilak on the forehead. Women should only apply a Kumkum Chandlo on their forehead, while widows should not apply either Tilak or Chandlo."

Shriji Maharaj observed that the disciples of Sadguru Ramanand Swami do various religious symbols on their foreheads. There was no uniformity or decorum in these symbols. They applied different marks—some horizontal, some vertical, some with sandalwood paste, some with clay or ashes. After the departure of Ramanand Swami, Shriji Maharaj aimed to unify everyone under a single practice and provide a distinct symbol of the deity. He thus abolished these various symbols and commanded everyone to apply a vertical sandalwood paste (Tilak) with a round Kumkum Chandlo in the center (as is practiced now). Shriji Maharaj himself adorned the learned saint Nityanand Swami with the prescribed Tilak-Chandlo and instructed all followers to do the same. Since then, this tradition has been faithfully followed by all.

Many people, upon seeing our Tilak-Chandlo, comment, "This is just plain Kumkum." This is because our Chandlo is made purely from dry Kumkum. Soaked Kumkum is not permitted. Hence, Gurudev Bapji often says, "Shriji Maharaj has not even given water a chance in our Chandlo; then why give other things a chance?" This means that choghadiya, mahurats, and other such considerations should not concern Swaminarayan devotees.

The Tilak-Chandlo as a Symbol of Vishishtadvaita

Vishishtadvaita means "qualified non-dualism," where two distinct entities appear as one. The Tilak (sandalwood paste) and Chandlo (Kumkum mark) are two separate substances. However, when combined as the Tilak-Chandlo, they present a unified appearance. Similarly, Shriji Maharaj and the liberated souls (Muktas) are two distinct entities. Yet, when the Muktas reside in the divine form, they no longer appear separate; thus, appearance is only of Shriji Maharaj himself. Thus, though there are two distinct entities, their unified appearance represents the essence of Vishishtadvaita.

The Method of Applying Tilak-Chandlo

The puja-kit includes a ‘U’ shaped tool appropriately, called a "tilakyu" that aids in applying tilak. Make a thin paste by rubbing sandalwood stick and water in a stone mortar (also included in the puja-kit). Apply the paste onto the tilakyu and do tilak on the forehead, chest, and both arms. Do a sandalwood chandlo in the middle of the tilak on both arms and chest. Any round container filled with kumkum powder can be used to do the chandlo on the forehead.

To make the round kumkum mark (chandlo), a small circular container filled with kumkum can be used. The container is pressed onto the forehead to create the mark.

First, apply the kumkum chandlo on the forehead.Then, apply the tilak. The tilak represents Shriji Maharaj, and the chandlo represents the liberated souls (Muktas). Just as the chandlo resides within the tilak, the Muktas reside within Shriji Maharaj. This symbolizes the unity of Maharaj and Mukta, revealing the mystery of their eternal bond.
It's important to apply both the tilak and the chandlo correctly:

Applying only the chandlo without the tilak is not appropriate, as the chandlo symbolizes the Muktas, who cannot exist without Shriji Maharaj.Using chandan instead of kumkum for the chandlo is also incorrect. The chandlo must be made with kumkum.

The tilak-chandlo should be applied at the beginning of the daily puja, as performing puja without it is considered incomplete.

There are many scientific and social reasons as to why the tilak chandlo is done on the forehead.

Scientific reasons: The tilak is considered a symbol of a person's knowledge and intellect. Our intellect resides in the brain, which is a marvelous computer created by God. The human brain can process 100 billion instructions simultaneously. American scientists attempted to replicate this by constructing a 27-story lab filled with various machinery and employing hundreds of experts. Despite these efforts, the human brain's design remains unparalleled. Thus, worshipping this incredible brain, given to us by God, is akin to worshipping God Himself. This is why we adorn the forehead with the tilak-chandlo. Another significant reason for this practice is that the ajna chakra, located between our eyebrows, is crucial. All the activities and decisions we make throughout the day place a burden on this center. Sandalwood (chandan) is known for its calming properties. Applying sandalwood paste to the forehead helps keep this center calm and efficient. There is also a belief that our body continuously emits spiritual energy, causing the forehead area to become warm. This increased heat can potentially lead to various ailments. Applying the tilak with sandalwood helps mitigate this heat, thus preventing these issues.

Social reasons: In ancient times, a tilak – chandlo was done on the warrior's forehead as a symbol of pride when a person goes to war. When enthroning a king, a tilak ceremony is performed, where tilak is done on his forehead. When a woman finds a suitable man for herself, it is her good fortune, and as a symbol of that blessing, she applies a chandlo on her forehead.

In society, people performing specific roles often have distinct identifiers. A khaki uniform signifies a police officer, white attire is the dress code for nurses in hospitals, and a black coat is the mark of a judge. Is it mandatory for them to wear these uniforms? Does a police officer's power increase when wearing a khaki uniform? Does a nurse's sense of service grow when donning white attire? Does a judge's judicial wisdom enhance when wearing a black coat? No, it doesn't. However, at the very least, these external symbols make them aware of their responsibilities. Hence, there is a need for such external formalities. Similarly, just doing a tilak-chandlo does not automatically make one a perfect satsangi (devotee). Nonetheless, it often serves as a reminder or a check. When a devotee sees the tilak-chandlo on their forehead, it reminds them of their faith and responsibilities. It also serves as a visible marker to others, potentially reminding the wearer to uphold their values and to act in accordance with their beliefs.

When someone approaches Gurudev P.P. Bapji without a tilak-chandlo on their forehead, he immediately notices and remarks, “Why haven't you marked your forehead? A shop without a signboard doesn't attract customers. If there's a signboard, customers will come to the shop.” He might also say, “The tilak-chandlo is like a license. Without a license, the police will catch you if you go out!” He uses these analogies to emphasize the importance of wearing the tilak-chandlo and ensures that the person applies it.This practice of wearing the tilak-chandlo, therefore, is not just about the act itself, but about what it symbolizes – a commitment to one's faith, an external reminder of one's responsibilities, and a visible sign to others of their identity and values.

Upon seeing a devotee without tilak – chandlo, HDH Swamishri gave him the agya to always do tilak – chandlo from then on. The devotee responded, "Dayalu! Raji rahejo! But I will not be able to do that." Amazed HDH Swamishri asked, "Why? What is it that makes it so difficult?" The devotee innocently explained the reality; he said, "I have a bad habit of watching movies. I go to the theater at least once every week. If I do a tilak - chandlo, I have to put a halt to that, else it will be sinful, and I will not be able to stop watching movies. Therefore, please raji rahejo as I will not be able to do what You are asking of me."
HDH Swamishri replied, “Let that habit continue for now but at least start doing tilak – chandlo. It shall certainly help you, and on the bright side, it has no disadvantages. Therefore, do keep the niyam of tilak – chandlo.” The devotee could not disregard the politeness of HDH Swamishri and agreed to start doing tilak – chandlo. As a victim of his habit, the devotee went to the theater. As he lined up in the queue for his ticket, he noticed the people around him staring at his forehead. The devotee thought to himself, why is everyone staring at me? Meanwhile, someone said, "How can you watch movies with such beautiful tilak – chandlo on your forehead? You should be ashamed standing in a line for a ticket?" Embarrassment grooved on the face of the devotee; the words from the stranger hit him hard. He walked out of the theater and promised never to watch a film in his life again.

In Vadodara, a young satsangi, exceptionally brilliant in his studies, secured a position in the board exams in 1968. He regularly adorned his forehead with a beautiful tilak-chandlo. Even after securing admission in college for further studies, he continued this practice without any hesitation or embarrassment about what his peers might think.

The principal of the college, who was somewhat peculiar and held a prejudice against religious symbols, would notice this young man's tilak-chandlo every day. One day, the principal called the young satsangi into his office and said, "This is a college, not a temple. I don't like these religious marks, so don't come to college with this tilak." Hearing this stern warning, the young satsangi was not intimidated. He was not only very intelligent but also took immense pride in his faith. He confidently replied to the principal, "Sir, you are the principal of the college, not of my tilak-chandlo. Listen, I can never abandon this tilak-chandlo. If you pressurize me too much, I will leave the college, but I will never do away with my tilak-chandlo."

Hearing such a bold and fearless response, the principal was stunned and let him go without further argument. This is the pride a true satsangi holds for the tilak-chandlo given by Shriji Maharaj. In contrast, many young students do away with the tilak-chandlo during their morning prayers but wipe it off when it's time to go to college.

The construction of the Vasna mandir was in the process in 1983, and HDH Swamishri and the sants lived in a small shed. A devotee's son who had a Master of Commerce (M.Com) degree was looking for work. The age cut-off was 25 years at the moment, and those exceeding the limit would not be eligible to work for the government. He received a call for an interview to work for the Reserve bank of India. A total of 13 individuals were to be recruited, and the candidates were many. On the interview day, the son came to the Vasna temple at noon to meet HDH Swamishri. He said, "I have an interview with the Reserve Bank of India today, I have passed the written exam, and I have my in-person interview today. I have to be at the Reserve bank of India located on Ashram Road by 3:00 pm. You pray to Maharaj on my behalf. He listens to You. This is my final chance to get a government job since I will be completing 25 years. It would be impossible to find a government job after that. So, please bless me and pray on my behalf.”

HDH Swamishri said, "I surely shall pray for you, but Maharaj will not listen.” “Why will he not?” asked the son. “Because you do not abide by His agya." HDH Swamishri continued, "Do you do puja daily?" "Yes!" the son replied. "Do you do tilak – chandlo?” asked HDH Swamishri. “No,” he said. “Since you do not follow this agya, Maharaj will not listen to your prayers,” revealed HDH Swamishri. “Then dayalu, I request You to pray to Maharaj. I shall always do tilak – chandlo from tomorrow," said the son. To that, HDH Swamishri replied, "Not starting tomorrow. It would be better to start doing it from today, and best if you start right now. Come, let me do the tilak – chandlo for you, and you go to the interview with it." The son said, "Swami raji rahejo, but can we skip for today? I shall do it starting tomorrow. I have an interview today. I will be meeting with the Managers, so if You could let it be for today." HDH Swamishri replied, “The tilak – chandlo belongs to a higher authority than the one you are going to meet, and there is no one greater than him." "But I find it embarrassing, swami," said the son.

HDH Swamishri said, “You won’t see your tilak – chandlo, so why should it embarrass you? If you agree to do tilak – chandlo right now and continue to do it every day, only then will Maharaj accept My prayers. Leading a life that is in the best interest of Maharaj makes a sant happy and when a sant is pleased, so is Maharaj." The son was in real need and therefore agreed to go to the interview wearing the tilak – chandlo. Many candidates were present for the interview; he was 187th in the line. When it was his turn, he went in and saw a board of seven individuals. The most senior interviewer of all was a Swaminarayan devotee himself. He did not have a tilak – chandlo, so the son did not know, but the senior interviewer spotted the tilak – chandlo, and before the other individuals could ask questions, he asked, "What are niyam, nishchay, and paksha?" The son recognized the question was from the 61st Vachnamrut of Gadhada Madhya chapters from the Vachnamurt. He knew the answer and said, “To abide by the rules given by Maharaj is niyam, to understand that Maharaj is Sarvopari is nishchay and to stand for and with those who follow both niyam and nishchay is called paksha." Upon hearing the answer, the interviewer pulled out his kanthi and said, “I will have to keep your paksha as well, won't I?" Even with limited vacancies, the son was able to get a job. The agya may not seem significant at times, but the rajipo that it brings is boundless.

Jayeshbhai Maniyar, a devout devotee from Surendranagar, belongs to a Jain family but holds unwavering devotion to Lord Swaminarayan. His son, Khilen, is extremely intelligent and has consistently secured the first position in his college, C. U. Shah College, while pursuing a BCA course. However, despite his academic excellence, he always adorned his forehead with a tilak-chandlo, reflecting his deep faith. Throughout his four semesters, he maintained his first position in college, but in the university exams, he secured a second rank. Once, while visiting the temple with his father, he received guidance from Pujya Santos. Santos advised him, "Continue doing the tilak-chandlo regularly. Maharaj will be pleased. If Maharaj is pleased, you will excel not only in college but also in the university." Encouraged by this, he continued doing the tilak-chandlo and continued his academic pursuits with determination.
When he persisted in doing the tilak-chandlo regularly, he scored first in college and universities during 5th semester. However, when he broke this practice during his 6th semester, his performance suffered, and he ranked sixth. Realizing his mistake, he resumed doing the tilak-chandlo regularly. In his final semester, He topped both college and university exams. His consistency in doing the tilak-chandlo had paid off. This experience taught him the importance of faith and commitment to one's beliefs.

Many youths living abroad also adheres to the practice of doing tilak-chandlo despite facing challenges. In Dubai, for example, where such practices are uncommon, a civil engineer faced skepticism during a municipal corporation interview. When questioned about the tilak-chandlo, he proudly explained its significance as a symbol of his faith. Though initially rejected, he eventually secured a double-paying job after reinstating his practice of doing the tilak-chandlo.

The courage and conviction displayed by these individuals, who refuse to compromise on their faith, greatly please Maharaj.