What is the dot on the forehead of many figures?

This is one of the thirty-two special characteristics of a Buddha or one on the immediate threshold of becoming a Buddha (i.e., a Bodhisattva).

The dot is sometimes likened to a cosmic eye from which emanates the light of wisdom, or a third eye signifying the Buddha’s or Bodhisattva’s supreme insight. It can also be shown as a curl of white hair in the centre of the brow. Long earlobes are another prominent trait. It may have its origins in the ancient custom of Indian royalty wearing lobe-stretching earrings.

As Sakyamuni Buddha was originally a royal prince, he most likely had worn such adornment. In both Chinese and Buddhist cultures, long earlobes are equated with longevity.

Other Buddha characteristics include: a sauvastika on the chest, three folds on the neck, long arms, curly hair which forms a top knot, and a Dharma wheel on the palms and/or soles of the feet.