What is a Tikka and what is the significance of applying it on the forehead?

The tikka is a red dot of vermilion paste applied on the forehead, between the eyebrows. This spot is considered the centre of latent wisdom and concentration. It is also the spot where the third, or spiritual, eye is said to reside. All actions and thoughts are said to be governed by this spot and the act of putting the tikka signifies the desire to open the third eye. All Hindu religious functions begin with the application of the tikka, which is embellished with a few grains of rice.

While the normal tikka is but a small dot on the forehead, certain sects of Hindus cover their entire forehead with the tikka. And besides vermilion, the tikka can be made of sandalwood paste, ash or even clay. For instance, the devotees of Lord Shiva use ash and draw their tikka as three horizontal lines across their forehead.

Indian women belonging to certain sects wear the tikka as a sign of marriage. In fact, it is considered improper for them to appear in public without the tikka.