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Kumkum
and Sindhura
Aditi
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This is how I understand the significance of applying Kumkum
and sindhura. Please note they are not synonyms.
Kumkum is a powder made of
turmeric and sea shell powder (calcium salts) with oil,
coconut oil is used where I grew. The exact proportion of
these ingredients are unknown to me.
The combination is supposed
to have a cooling effect on the person wearing it. It is
commonly applied over the glabellas (bhruukuTi - the space
between eye brows). This corresponds to the 'aaj~naadhaaraka
chakra' - one of the ruling area described in praaNaayaama.
Anatomically this chakra is close to/ probably same as hypothalamus
- center for controlling all autonomic nervous system. The
person wearing Kumkum this way is supposed to be calm, patient
etc.
All Hindus are supposed to
apply Kumkum daily. Somehow its use now, is limited to women.
That too, many do not!! There is a misconception that only
married women should apply Kumkum. That is not true. Girls
wear them before marriage. There is no written evidence in our
holy books prohibiting widows applying it.
I am not sure how sindhura is
made. What we get in the market is only a coloring agent! It
is applied on the frontal area- on the hair line. It is one of
the symbol of marriage in some community. It is offered to
Lord Ganesh.
The effect of sindhura on
person probably the same as that of Kumkum.
The significance of 'Gopichandan'
is again the same. I am sure you know who uses it and when. It
used to be a norm in every Hindu family that younger ones pay
their respect to elders by touching their feet, elders bless
them 'aashirvaada'. I think this is a good physical exercise
for the younger people. How else can the elders bless the
younger ones?
Worshipping of Tulasi plant
is merely due to its medicinal values. Our ancestors gave it
spiritual significance so that god fearing people do it.
Tulasi increases the level of acetyl choline (neurotransmitter)
in the body. One of effect of tulasi is enhancing the the
memory power.
Wearing bangles in forearm is
supposed to have acupuncture effect. Wearing toe ring to the
second toe has sexual/erotic effect. The reflexology text do
mention about treating gynecological problems by massaging the
second toe. My knowledge in reflexology is limited.
I simply believe that
our ancestors made our day to day functions (nityakarma) very scientific
and healthy. They made rules and gave spiritual name to
everything so that people follow them.
- Aditi
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