What do the 3 dots above lotus flower mean?

The three dots, or 'bindu', are a Sanskrit term meaning "dot" or "point" and is usually depicted by a dot drawn with sandalwood paste or kumkum on the forehead or between the eyebrows of Hindus and Jains. When referring to the lotus flower they are said to represent, depending on the religion/ tradition:

Hinduism:

- Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer)

- Past, Present and Future

- The 3 gunas (qualities): Sattva, Rajas, Tamas

Jainism:

- Right belief, right knowledge and right conduct

- The three jewels: samyak darsana (right view), samyak jnana (right knowledge) and samyak charitra (right conduct)