According to Vaishnava tradition gopi-chandana or the sacred soil from Dwaraka or Vrnadavan is applied on the body in twelve places while reciting mantras to Lord Vishnu. This process purifies one's body designating it as a temple of the Lord. Besides purification the tilak also offers the wearer protection from ghosts evil influences bad dreams accidents and many other things. It keeps one's mind calm and allows one to constantly remember Lord Krishna. The sacred dust of vrndavan is said to have touched the lotus feet of Sri Krishna's exclusive devotees and is worship able even by Sri Krishna himself.