Namam

Namam is a term used in some South Asian cultures, particularly in Hinduism, to refer to a sectarian mark worn on the forehead. These marks are typically made with substances like sandalwood paste, kumkum (vermilion powder), or ash. The color, shape, and specific placement of the namam can indicate the wearer's devotion to a particular deity or sect.

For instance, followers of Vishnu often wear a namam that resembles the letter 'U' or has two vertical lines, usually in white or yellow. Shaivites, devotees of Shiva, may wear a namam of three horizontal lines, often made with ash. The application of the namam can be a daily ritual, performed after bathing and as part of worship. It is believed to offer spiritual protection, signify religious affiliation, and sometimes even has perceived medicinal properties. The practice of wearing a namam is deeply ingrained in the cultural and religious fabric of many communities.