Tripundra.
Three horizontal
lines form a sectarian mark that is most typically placed to the forehead, but
may also be seen on the back, heart, shoulders, arms, and legs.
The tripundra identifies the wearer as a Shiva devotee
(bhakta), and although it is most often worn by renunciant ascetics, it is also
worn by householders.
The three lines are said to represent the three prongs of Shiva's
trident in one interpretation, and Shiva's third eye in another.
The three lines are made on the forehead by dipping the
first three fingers of the right hand into a holy ash called vibhuti
("power") and then drawing them.
Vibhuti was traditionally manufactured from wood ash
filtered through cloth until it was as fine as talcum powder.
This is still done today, mostly by ascetics who utilize ash
from a dhuni, or burning ascetic fire, which has holy properties; vibhuti may
also be purchased at religious supply shops.