The Shri Vaishnava of Tamil Nadu and Gokul Sampradaya of West Bengal practice a branding ritual. This is a branding stamp depicting Vishnu's feet. Stamps such as this, are used to initiate new Vaishnavas (devotees of Vishnu) to the fold. Heated shankha and chakra (conch and wheel) stamps are pressed against newly initiated male devotee's left and right shoulders respectively but placed gently on the shoulders of women and children by the head monk. On the male, it leaves a clear mark while on the women and children it wears off quickly.
