Query

[Guest guest]

Dear Bhakts,

Can any one please explain me the difference between using a Yellow

SriChuvarnam and a Red SriChuvarnam?

Another very basic question in relevant to the previous one.

What is the main purpose of using ( i dont know the proper word)

SriChuvarnam. Is it just to differentiate people or for what ?

Please dont mistake me for not knowing the very basic things of our

culture.

Thank U

-srikanth.

[Guest guest]

Re: Yellow and Red SrIchUrNam

 

Sri Vaishnavas either wear a red or yellow SrIchUrNam.

Both of them are made primarily of turmeric (manjaL / haridra /

haldi), which, when unprocessed is yellow. However, the yellow

variety of SrIchUrNam is not mere turmeric powder; it

goes through a process and only then is fit to be applied

on the forehead. The red variety is turmeric mixed with

lime, and also processed in a particular way. The combination

of turmeric mixed with lime yields the reddish-orangish color.

 

It is important to note that both varieties of SrIchUrNam

are made primarily of turmeric (manjaL).

 

Some Sri Vaishnavas of the vadagalai sampradAya wear

yellow SrIchUrNam. Other vadagalais and all followers of

the Thengalai sampradAya wear red SrIchUrNam. There is

no significance in the different color, despite arguments

to the contrary. Since the SrIchUrNam represents the

presence of Lakshmi, some argue that the shastras say

that Lakshmi is of a golden color so the SrIchUrNam

should be yellow. Those on the other side argue that

the SrIchUrNam should be red because other shastras

say that Lakshmi is signified by the red color. Once

again, both sides quote different shastras to promote

their point of view, without aiming at reconciliation.

 

It should be pointed out that these arguments are, to

my knowledge, of recent origin -- no more than say

200 years.

 

It has become common in recent times for some to argue

that yellow SrIchUrNam alone is correct for Vaidika

Sri Vaishnavas, or for prapannas. This is baseless.

I have with my own eyes seen ultraorthodox, extremely

devout and knowledgable Sri Vaishnavas of both sects

(including both my grandfathers) wear the red SrIchUrNam.

I have seen authentic photographs of Parakala Matha swamis

wearing red SrIchUrNam.

 

Once again, one's personal practice should be dictated

by familial tradition.

 

adiyEn rAmAnuja dAsan,

Mani