How the finger you choose to apply tilak from makes a huge difference in Hindu culture

Tilak, a small circle that is usually applied to someone’s forehead, is not just a mark but a symbol of pride, protection, and even identity. Applying Tilak to the forehead is not done randomly, or for no reason, it's a tradition that's deeply revered and carries a lot of respect in Hindu culture. A Tilak is like a mark of positivity, protection, courage, and new beginnings.
And for many, the Tilak is like a badge of honour, applied to them before they go off to start something new.
But, did you know that all the different types of Tilak should also be applied with different fingers?

The finger with which the Tilak is applied changes with the intention with which it is applied. For example, when you want to wish someone to be victorious, or successful, or want them to get something done (professionally), the Tilak is applied with the thumb. And this Tilak is not a small dot but rather a bigger one. Applying Tilak with the thumb is like giving someone a blessing of power, success, and victory. In olden times, when people went to war, Tilak was applied on their forehead using the thumb to grant them blessings of victory.

Usually, during prayers, we also apply Tilak to the idols of Gods or their pictures which are kept in the home temple. And so, when applying Tilak to the Gods, Goddesses, and idols, the ring finger is used. The ring finger is linked to devotion and commitment and is the most appropriate for applying tilak on divine figures.

During prayers, it is also considered good to apply Tilak on your forehead. When doing so, it is best to use the ring finger, again. It is believed that when you apply Tilak on your or someone else's forehead, it activates the ‘Aagya Chakra’, a chakra related to intellect, mental health, wisdom, and the like. One can also use the middle finger as it signifies a blessing for long life. By applying Tilak on one's forehead, people can experience a sense of peace, completeness, closeness to the divine, and better intellect.

Tilak is also applied to the body of a deceased person, and later to their picture that is hung up on the walls. And it is said that only when applying Tilak to a deceased person or their picture should the index finger be used. It should always be kept in mind that the index finger should not be used to apply Tilak on the forehead of a person who is alive, as the index finger is related to the deceased.The index finger is linked to moksha, and when you apply tilak using the index finger to the image or picture of the deceased, it will help them to the right path of salvation.