Etymology and Meaning
The Parashara Smriti gives a very detailed explanation on the Thiruman: where, when, and how to wear it, as well as what should be chanted while wearing the same.
Srichurnam is the yellow/red line in the middle of the white marks. The white marks are called ThirumaN in Tamil. The word Srichurnam is often referred with the Thiruman and is called as Thiruman Srichurnam (or Oordhva Pundram). Particularly for the followers of Sri Sampradayam Srivaishnavas, Sriman Narayana (Vishnu) is always seen as being inseparable from his divine consort, Lakshmi, and hence the marks on the forehead will always represent the Lord's lotus feet (ThirumaN) and his divine consort in the middle at his service.
The etymology of Srichurnam is as follows: Sri refers to Lakshmi, while churanam literally means powder. The Srichurnam - the red/yellow line in the middle - represents Lakshmi. Thiruman (tiru = holy, maN = clay) represents the feet Vishnu.
Read more about this topic: Srivaishnava Urdhva Pundra
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