The center of our forehead where the eyebrows would meet if they were extended is called the “Brumadhya”. The Agneya Chakra or the Wisdom Center (one of the seven energy centers of the body) is located here.
There are two rationales as to why Kumkum is kept on ones forehead.
The Brumadhya is the center that attracts various kinds of energies from the outside world. “Kumkum”, the turmeric based powder, is usually applied on the forehead to prevent negative energies from entering inside.
Another reason is that the Agneya Chakra should be touched with the solar finger at least once in a day, so that the solar energy (the energy of wisdom) is activated into the Agneya Chakra, initiating the inner journey leading to one’s Enlightenment.
It was recommended that people of both sexes should wear the Kumkum on their foreheads. However, with efflux of time, the wearing of Kumkum became mandatory for women. Probably the [rather uncharitable] stereotyping of women as the more emotional of the two sexes could have contributed to this mandate!
The turmeric content in the Kumkum lends luster to the skin while acting as a powerful germicide. Today most brands of Kumkum are made to suit aesthetic needs. However, the beneficial effects of scientifically prepared Kumkum transcend cosmetic needs. Even today, there are dedicated people preparing Kumkum the traditional way, with high quality turmeric as the base.
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