← Tilak & Bhasma

⚖️ Shaiva vs Vaishnava Tilak

A comparative overview of the two major Hindu tilak traditions

Shaiva Tilak

Three horizontal lines · Sacred Ash · Shiva

Vaishnava Tilak

Vertical U-shape · Sacred Clay · Vishnu

Aspect🔱 Shaiva🪷 Vaishnava
ShapeHorizontal (three parallel lines)Vertical (U-shape pointing up)
Main MaterialVibhuti / Bhasma (sacred ash)Gopichandana / Tiruman (sacred clay)
ColorWhite/GreyWhite (with optional red center)
DeityShivaVishnu / Krishna
SymbolismDestruction of ego, cosmic forces, three firesLotus feet of Vishnu, path to liberation
Application PointsUp to 32 body points12 body points (12 Vishnu names)
MantraOm Namah Shivaya12 Vishnu names (Keshava, Narayana...)
Main ScripturesShiva Purana, Jabala UpanishadVishnu Purana, Pancharatra Agama
SampradayasShaiva Siddhanta, Lingayat, Nath, KapalikaSri Vaishnava, Madhva, Gaudiya, Vallabha
PreparationBurn cow dung or sacred woodSacred clay from pilgrimage sites

Explore Shaiva Tilak →

Tripundra, Vibhuti, and more

Explore Vaishnava Tilak →

Urdhva Pundra, Namam, and more