Why does Buddha have a flame on his head?

Answer 1

• In ancient Pali texts there are references to 32 physical characteristics of a superior person. One of these was a wisp of hair between the eyebrows. The Buddha is said to have had all 32 of those characteristics. The point between the eyebrows is also where the "third eye" or a "chakra" is said to exist, and depictions of the Buddha may be portraying this. That spot is also where Hindus place a "bindu" or mark of vermillion during worship practices.
• Another reason for the mark is that in Hinduism, that is where the tikka is applied as a mark of having performed devotional practices. Hinduism was practiced during the time the Buddha was alive. There are specific formulas for depictions of the Buddha, and while the mark on his forehead is required, it is unclear if it is because of the 32 physical characteristics or because of the supposed third eye.

Answer 2

It represents that the Buddha is all-knowing and that he has a fully developed top Chakra.

Answer 3

They wear a mark on the forehead because it tells what caste they are in.

Answer 4

Religious symbolism is present in almost all religious statues and pictures. Christians use halos, Hindus depict gods with blue skin and Buddhists have their own representations.