Mangalsutra Sindoor is very important in Hindu weddings. Both are considered signs of marriage. This sacred thread of marriage Mangalsutra is in discussion nowadays due to political reasons. In fact, Mangalsutra has become a big issue in the campaign for Lok Sabha elections 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during an election rally that Congress and Indi alliance have their eyes on your mangalsutra and property. After this, reactions started coming from all political parties. But, do you know where Mangalsutra originated? Apart from India, in which countries do married women wear Mangalsutra?
According to beliefs, Mangalsutra connects wife and husband in a sacred relationship. Many women start wearing Mangalsutra as soon as they get married. According to astrologers, many gods and goddesses reside in Mangalsutra. It is also believed that Mangalsutra is a sacred bond which protects the relationship between husband and wife from evil eyes. The tradition of married women wearing Mangalsutra is quite old. There is an interesting story behind this also.
When and where did it start?
According to the astrologer of Deoghar, Pt. Nandkishore Mudgal, Mangalsutra is considered to be the protective shield of husband and wife. The history of Mangalsutra is also mentioned in Adi Guru Shankaracharya’s book ‘Soundarya Lahari’. According to historians, the tradition of wearing Mangalsutra started in the sixth century. Evidence of Mangalsutra has also been found in the excavation of Mohenjodaro. Wearing Mangalsutra first started in South India. After this, it gradually became popular not only in India but also in some other countries. In Tamil Nadu it is called Thali or Thiru Mangalyam. At the same time, in North India it is called Mangalsutra.
Mangalsutra literally means ‘an auspicious thread’, which is tied around the neck of the bride.
What is the meaning of Mangalsutra?
Mangalsutra literally means ‘an auspicious thread’, which is tied around the neck of the bride. She keeps wearing it throughout her life. It is usually a necklace with black beads strung on black or yellow thread dipped in turmeric. However, its form also changes in different areas. At some places, gold, white or red beads are also added to the Mangalsutra. Apart from Hindus in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan, non-Hindu people like Syrian Christians also wear Mangalsutra.
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Don’t wear it in some places?
There are many communities in India in which Mangalsutra is not worn. Instead other marital symbols are worn. In large parts of North India, married women wear nettles, glass bangles and necklaces around their necks. Indian jewelery historian Dr. Usha Balakrishnan explains that the practice of dressing the bride in mangalsutra after marriage is a modern concept, which has become possible due to the marketing strategies of businesses. However, she also tells that the importance of Mangalsutra has also been explained by Adi Shankaracharya in Soundarya Lahari. According to Hindu tradition, Mangalsutra is worn for the long life of the husband.
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When is the Mangalsutra removed?
In ancient times, the bride’s jewelery also served as financial security in case of old age and widowhood. Dr. Balakrishnan and Meera Sushil Kumar have written in their book ‘Indian Jewellery: The Dance of the Peacock’ that historically in India, jewelery was an auspicious symbol of marital life. They were lowered only when she became a widow or when she gave up worldly attachments. It is written in the book about Atharveda that the marriage ceremony ended with the father of the bride saying that I hand over this girl adorned with gold ornaments to you. She tells that Mangalsutra was considered as an auspicious thread. On auspicious occasions, a thread soaked in turmeric or kumkum is tied on the pulse points of the body such as the neck or wrist.
With time, the design of Mangalsutra also changed.
Beliefs related to Mangalsutra
With time, the design of Mangalsutra also changed. With time, black and gold beads replaced the yellow thread as Mangalsutra. There are no less beliefs in the country regarding Mangalsutra. It is believed that the black pearls present in it are the form of Lord Shiva and the gold is related to Mother Parvati. It is believed that there are 9 beads in Mangalsutra. These represent nine forms of Maa Durga. These 9 beads are also considered as symbols of earth, water, air and fire. Mangalsutra is one of the 16 adornments of women.
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Tags: 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, BJP, Congress, Marriage, marriage ceremony, Pm narendra modi
FIRST PUBLISHED: April 24, 2024, 19:32 IST