← Tilak & Bhasma

⚖️ Shaiva vs Vaishnava Tilak

A comparative overview of the two major Hindu tilak traditions

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Shaiva Tilak

Three horizontal lines · Sacred Ash · Shiva

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Vaishnava Tilak

Vertical U-shape · Sacred Clay · Vishnu

Aspect	🔱 Shaiva	🪷 Vaishnava
Shape	Horizontal (three parallel lines)	Vertical (U-shape pointing up)
Main Material	Vibhuti / Bhasma (sacred ash)	Gopichandana / Tiruman (sacred clay)
Color	White/Grey	White (with optional red center)
Deity	Shiva	Vishnu / Krishna
Symbolism	Destruction of ego, cosmic forces, three fires	Lotus feet of Vishnu, path to liberation
Application Points	Up to 32 body points	12 body points (12 Vishnu names)
Mantra	Om Namah Shivaya	12 Vishnu names (Keshava, Narayana...)
Main Scriptures	Shiva Purana, Jabala Upanishad	Vishnu Purana, Pancharatra Agama
Sampradayas	Shaiva Siddhanta, Lingayat, Nath, Kapalika	Sri Vaishnava, Madhva, Gaudiya, Vallabha
Preparation	Burn cow dung or sacred wood	Sacred clay from pilgrimage sites

Explore Shaiva Tilak →

Tripundra, Vibhuti, and more

Explore Vaishnava Tilak →

Urdhva Pundra, Namam, and more