The word ‘Kumkum’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Kunkumam’ or a drop and denotes the mystical Third Eye of a Person. Since ancient times, Kumkum has been the most visually appealing in all forms of body decoration in India. What is most surprising about Kumkum apart from the limited literature available is the attitude of society towards it. What follows is an attempt to understand the history and meaning of Kumkum for Hindu society.
Use Of Kumkum In Ancient Times
In ancient India, garlands were an important part of men’s and women’s evening wear. It is often accompanied by ‘Visesakachhedya’, e.g. paint the forhead with Kumkum or ‘Tilaka’. At that time, the thin and soft leaves are cut into various shapes and glued to the stems. This leaf Kumkum’s is also known by different names – ‘Patrachhedya’, ‘Patralekha’, ‘Patrabhanga’ or ‘Patramanjari’. Natural things and sandal paste are used to beautify not only the forehead but also the chin, neck, palms, chest and other parts of the body.
Significance Of The Position Of Kumkum
Scientifically, the entire position of the Kumkum between the eyebrows is significant. Experts say that the area between the eyebrows is the center of latent wisdom and as “Agna” (6th chakra) means “Command”. This area is called the Agna Chakra because it is said that different levels of concentration are attained through meditation. The focal point of this area is “Kumkum” where all experience and total concentration is gathered. Those who are experts in the Tantric tradition say that during meditation the “Kundalini” or latent energy located at the base of the spine is awakened and at the point of sahasrara (the 7th Chakra) is located in the head or brain. The central point, Kumkum, is therefore a possible outlet for this powerful energy. It is believed that the red kumkum is located between the eyebrows to store energy in the human body.
Myths And Significance Regarding The Color Red
The most important and commonly used color of Kumkum is red. Experts say that the color red is important because it symbolizes shakti or power. Others believe that red in Kumkum’s is most important because it symbolizes love. However, some scientists have seen the color red as a symbol of blood. We are told that in ancient times, in Aryan society, the groom used his blood, on the forehead of the bride, as a marriage acknowledgment. The existing practice among Indian women to call the round red tilapia called Kumkum can be a survival of this.
Another theory about Kumkum’s red color is that the red color symbolizes the much more ancient practice of offering blood sacrifices for the benefit of the gods – especially the goddess Shakti. At that point, the community made a final sacrifice and offered a reward in exchange, but the color remained red.
Another logic taught by some is that Kumkum, often described as Sindhura or Tilaka, means red, and Gandha which is also a term for Tilaka means a pleasant smell.
Reflect The Status Of A Married Woman
In North India, it is important for married women to wear a Kumkum. Hence the application of Kumkum shows the marital status of the woman. The North Indian bride walks across the doorstep of her married home, dazzling with a red Kumkum on her forehead. The color red is meant to increase the prosperity of the house they enter. However, the same is not true for women in South India, as here it is the privilege of all girls to wear a Kumkum. It is important when an Indian woman has the misfortune to become a widow, she should stop wearing this sign.
Significance Of Application Of Tilak By Men
Among Men, Tilaka is traditionally interpreted as a good luck charm of happiness. In some Hindu communities, the groom’s make-up is considered incomplete without a Tilaka.
Significance Of Using Red With Yellow
Red kumkum and yellow turmeric are placed side by side in temples or in any house during a celebration. This is because the yellow color of turmeric has the power to influence intelligence. In some Hindu communities, red kumkum is offered to women with yellow turmeric on leave. The gesture is said to be an expression of the host’s goodwill and prayers for the visitor’s continued happiness.
Historical Significance Of Kumkum
The tradition of using kumkum is said to be 5000 years old. Examples of the practice of placing kumkum can be found in ancient texts such as the Puranas, Lalitha Sahasranamam, Soundarya Lahhari, etc. Takes. It is also said that Radha changed the kumkum into a fire-like pattern on her forehead. On this dark day in Hastinapura, Drupadi, distraught and disillusioned, removes Kumkum from the forheads.
The use of kumkum is given special importance in temples dedicated to Shakti, Lakshmi and other Vaishnavite temples. Kumkum is very important on Fridays and on special occasions.
In ancient times, materials such as Chandhanam, Aguru, Kasturi, Kumkum, and Sindoor were used to make tika. Women also use turmeric along with the kusumbha flower to make a paste which they use on their foreheads.
How Is Kumkum Different From Sindoor?
Kumkum and Sindoor are made of two different materials. While kumkum is made of red turmeric, sindoor which is located in the middle of the hair is made of zinc oxide.
In Indian culture, Sindoor and Kumkum are good. Both represent good luck and the sign of “Soubhagya” in married women. Therefore, a woman who has lost her husband has no kumkum. Many married women use turmeric as a surrogate to denote not widowhood but sadness in the family. In some communities, women refrain from wearing kumkum during menstruation.
Today, most men wear kumkum mainly for religious ceremonies.
