According to the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, gopi-chandana, or the sacred clay from Dvaraka, 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 tilaka 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.