← Tilak & Bhasma
The 12 Names of Vishnu
Urdhva Pundra — body application points and corresponding names
The Urdhva Pundra tilak is applied at 12 body points, each corresponding to one of the 12 names of Lord Vishnu. While applying at each point, the devotee recites the corresponding mantra. This practice transforms the body into a temple of Vishnu.
1
Keshava
Applied at: Forehead
He who has beautiful hair
Om Keshavaya Namah
2
Narayana
Applied at: Abdomen
He who is the abode of all beings
Om Narayanaya Namah
3
Madhava
Applied at: Chest
Husband of Lakshmi
Om Madhavaya Namah
4
Govinda
Applied at: Throat
Protector of cows
Om Govindaya Namah
5
Vishnu
Applied at: Right Shoulder
The all-pervading one
Om Vishnave Namah
6
Madhusudana
Applied at: Right Forearm
Slayer of the demon Madhu
Om Madhusudanaya Namah
7
Trivikrama
Applied at: Right Upper Arm
He who strode across three worlds
Om Trivikramaya Namah
8
Vamana
Applied at: Left Shoulder
The dwarf avatar
Om Vamanaya Namah
9
Sridhara
Applied at: Left Forearm
Bearer of Sri (Lakshmi)
Om Sridharaya Namah
10
Hrishikesha
Applied at: Left Upper Arm
Lord of the senses
Om Hrishikeshaya Namah
11
Padmanabha
Applied at: Upper Back
Lotus-naveled one
Om Padmanabhaya Namah
12
Damodara
Applied at: Lower Back
Bound at the waist by Yashoda
Om Damodaraya Namah
Scriptural Basis
The 12-point Urdhva Pundra application is described in the Vishnu Purana (3.7.21) and the Padma Purana (Uttara Khanda 64.18). The Pancharatra Agama systematizes this practice. Each name corresponds to a specific energy center or chakra in the body.