a) Scientific significance of Tilaka,

mark of God:
In the ancient times, a tilak is believed to
prevent the loss of energy, and retain this
to control various levels of concentration.
Ancient yogis or spiritual aspirants used to
put tilak on their forhead to activate third
eye chakra or behind where lies the pituitary
gland in order to meditate better.

The spot between the eyebrows on a

forehead is considered a major nerve
point in the human body. Moreover
medical science has proved that this point
on our body is probably the most sensitive
area with the highest convergence of nerves.
This nerve is connecting to the brain which is present between the eyebrows which
connect the memory concentration of the body, so when we put tilak it constantly
stimulates it and keeps it active, so that our mind, body are under our control.
Applying tilak on that spot makes a cool effect and also good for memory. It also
relieves headaches caused due to excessive exposure to the sun.

b) Religious significance of Tilaka, mark of God:

The Tilak is a mark of auspiciousness and invokes a feeling of respect in the wearer
and others. It is generally recognized as a religious symbol. In the Vedas, Puranas,
and many more, it is said that one should put a mark (Tilaka) on the forehead for
self-realization and God-realization. And in the Holy Bible also it is written that God
take cares and saves those who put a mark on their forehead.

i) The Tilaka, mark of God in the Sanatama Dharma and Vedas, Puranas:
A devotee of Krishna decorates the body with Tilaka because this body is a temple
of God. Instead of decorating our body as if it were the self, or destroying it, or
despising it for its filthy emissions, we can respect and care for it as a residence of
the Supreme Lord. The soul lives within the body, and so too does the Supersoul,
the Lord. As a house is built and maintained for the pleasure of its owner, so "our"
body is meant for the pleasure of its real owner, Lord Krishna. Decorating the body
with tilaka pleases Him.
Putting on tilaka helps remind us we belong to Krishna. And when others see a
person wearing tilaka they are not only reminded of Krishna but relieved of sinful
reactions.
 “One should mark the tilak on his forehead as follows: he should start from the nose tip and go
till his kesa (hair). The width should be one angula (circa 1 inch). This is urdhva pundra
laksana.” – Vasista Smriti

“Even if in the past he has committed hundreds of sins, if a person wears gopi-chandana tilaka
(on foreheads), then Yamaraja (who gives punishments to the sinful persons in the 28 hellish
planets) cannot take him away. How, then, can Yamaraja's messengers touch him?” - Garga
Samhita, Canto Six, Chapter Fifteen, 21

ii) The Tilaka, mark of God in the Holy Bible:

In the Bible also God said to His servants to put a mark upon the foreheads:
Ezekiel 9:4-6 “And the Lord said to him, "Go through Jerusalem, and put a mark upon the foreheads
of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it." And to the others
he said in my hearing, "Pass through the city after him, and smite; your eye shall not spare, and you
shall show no pity; slay old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but
touch no one upon whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.”

Rev. 7:3 “Saying: Hurt not the earth nor the sea nor the trees, till we sign the servants of our God in
their foreheads.”

Rev. 9:4 “And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth nor any green
thing nor any tree: but only the men who have not the sign of God on their foreheads.”