Why Indian women put Sindoor in their maang?
Sindooor or vermilion holds lot of importance in Indian society. The tradition of application of sindoor in the parting of hair by married Hindu women is considered extremely auspicious and is being carried on since centuries.
Symbolic of Married Hindu Woman
In traditional Hindu society, wearing sindoor is considered must for married Hindu women. It is a visible expression of their desire for their husbands' longevity. Traditionally therefore, widows did not wear vermilion.
It is Important?
Sindoor is applied for the first time to a Hindu woman during the marriage ceremony when the bridegroom himself adorns her with it. The ceremony is called Sindoor-Dana and is very much in vogue even in present times. Religious scholars say that there has been no mention of this ceremony before the Grihasutras hence it is considered to be a relatively new practice.
The tradition of wearing Sindoor by married women has been explained with the help of mythology. Scholars say that red is the color of power while vermilion is a symbol of the female energy of Parvati and Sati. Hindu mythological legends regard Sati as the ideal wife who gave her life for her husband's honor. Every Hindu wife is supposed to emulate her. Hindus believe that Goddess Parvati protects all those men whose wives apply vermilion to their parting of hair.
Astrological Significance of Sindoor
According to Hindu astrology, Mesha Rashi or the House of Aries is on the forehead. The Lord of Mesha is Mars and his color is red. It is believed to be auspicious. This is why red sindoor is applied at the forehead and at the parting of the hair. Both are signs of saubhagya (good fortune). Sindoor is also considered to be the symbol of the female energy of Parvati and Sati.
A divine blessing?
The modern society perceives sindoor as a demarcation line between the married and the unmarried women. But, this is not the case. This practice is much deep-rooted. The ritual has been performed for over 5000 years now. Its use has been well documented in Harappan excavations. Sindoor also finds a mention in the Puranas, Lalitha Sahasranamam and Soundarya Lahharis.
The science behind it
The application of sindoor is not just a ritual, but a practice which stimulates good health. On one hand it serves as a longevity prayer for the husband, but on the other it keeps a tab on the woman's physical well-being. The sindoor is prepared using mercury, turmeric and lime. Mercury acts as a catalyst that helps to ease stress and strain. It also helps in keeping the brain active and alert.
Auspicious history of Sindoor along with interesting facts
Sindoor is being applied by Indian women since Vedic era in their hair parting and on the forhead. Sindoor is being used by the Indian women in their hair-parting (maang) and as a dot on the forehead. Sindoor is one of the 16 adornments (solah shringar) in Hinduism. Aside from this, it's also being applied by the men in from of “Tilak”on their forehead. Indian Sindoor is a red color powder. It's also called as “Kumkum”, when it's mixed with turmeric.
Description:
Are you looking to Buy pooja samagri online? TM pooja is the one for pooja samagri store items where you can do your online pooja samagri shopping. Contact us for pooja samagri online.
Tags:
No comments:
Post a Comment