Bindi (decoration)
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A bindi (Hindi: बिन्दि meaning "dot") is a forehead decoration worn in South Asia<ref>.Hindu-Wearing</ref> and Southeast Asia It may also be called a pottu or a tilaka.
Married Hindu women traditionally wear a bindi on their foreheads. The traditional bindi is made with red sindoor powder or perhaps a black ointment. It is applied low in the center of the forehead, close to the eyebrows.
Outside South Asia, bindis may be worn by women of Indian origin. Some Westerners who have converted to Hinduism, like the Hare Krishna, may wear bindis. Sometimes they are worn as a style statement. International celebrities such as Shakira, Gwen Stefani, Madonna, and Shania Twain have been seen wearing bindis.
The bindi is often associated with women, but in fact it can be worn, either by itself or as part of a more elaborate caste-mark (naamam) by tradition-minded Hindu men.
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[edit] Religious significance
The area between the eyebrows (where the bindi is placed) is said to be the sixth chakra, agni, the seat of "concealed wisdom". According to followers of Tantrism, this chakra is the exit point for kundalini energy. The bindi is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration. [1]. It is also said to protect against demons or bad luck.
[edit] In modern times
In modern times, the bindi has become a decorative item and is worn by unmarried as well as non-Hindu women, in India, Bangladesh and other countries of South Asia. It is no longer restricted in colour or shape. Self-adhesive bindis made from felt in various designs and colours are now available.
[edit] References
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