Answer

In Jain practice, the yellow-coloured substance used for putting a tika/tilak is usually called kesar or chandan, depending on what is used.

• Kesar means saffron. It gives a yellow to orange-yellow colour.
• Chandan means sandalwood paste. It may appear pale yellow or light brownish-yellow.

Explanation

A tika is a small sacred mark placed on the forehead, often after puja, darshan, or religious rituals. In Jain Dharma, it is commonly applied as a sign of reverence, purity, and devotion.

The yellow substance is not just decoration. It is connected with calmness, auspiciousness, and respect toward Arihant Bhagwan, Siddha Bhagwan, Acharyas, Upadhyays, Sadhus, and the path of Dharma.

Takeaway

The yellow substance used for tika is generally kesar or chandan, and it represents devotion, purity, and auspiciousness in Jain religious practice.