The name given to the distinctive forehead mark (tika) worn by austere worshippers of the deity Vishnu (bhakta).
The primary design of the urdhvapundra is three vertical
lines, as opposed to the three horizontal lines worn by Shiva worshippers, the
Sanyasis.
Sandalwood paste, white clay, yellow clay, and red vermilion
are just a few of the elements that may be employed in the design.
The holy ash (vibhuti) that the Sanyasis are known for is
the sole item that is never utilized.
The urdhvapundra's design and materials are extremely different
across various Vaishnava ascetic communities, and one can readily identify a
specific ascetic's allegiance based on this.
See A. W. Entwistle's "Vaishnava Tilakas— Sectarian
Marks Worn by Worshipers of Visnu," IAVRI-Bulletin 11 and 12, 1982, for more
details.
