Answer

In Jain tradition, a tilak is usually understood as having these five features:

• Dravya – the substance used for the tilak, such as sandalwood paste, saffron, or other pure materials.
• Kshetra – the proper place where it is applied, usually on the forehead.
• Kaal – the appropriate time for applying it, such as during puja, darshan, or religious worship.
• Bhav – the inner feeling of devotion, humility, and purity while applying it.
• Vidhi – the proper method or respectful manner of applying it.

Explanation

The tilak is not merely a decorative mark. In Jain practice, it is connected with purity, reverence, and devotional awareness. The outer act becomes spiritually meaningful only when it is done with the right inner feeling.

Spiritual Understanding

The most important feature is bhav — the purity of intention. Without humility, devotion, and awareness, the external tilak has limited spiritual value.

Takeaway

The five features of tilak remind us that Jain rituals should be performed with pure substance, proper place, proper time, proper method, and above all, pure inner feeling.