Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 OK, here's another cultural question. In a number of hymns, I've seen descriptions of Devis as being smeared with "red paste." Is this referring to mehndi? What's the cultural significance of this cosmetic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 Willendorfer wrote: *** In a number of hymns, I've seen descriptions of Devis as being smeared with "red paste." Is this referring to mehndi? *** It refers to kumkum. *** What's the cultural significance of this cosmetic? *** "Kumkum attains special importance in temples dedicated to Shakti .... Kumkum is of special significance of Fridays and special occasions. The little red kumkum has a long and ancient tradition. A silent watcher, the kumkum has travelled through our 5000-year-old culture. Our religious texts, scriptures, myths and epics mention the kumkum. Radha turned the kumkum into a flame-like design on her forehead, it is said. Draupadi, in despair and disillusion, wiped the kumkum off her forehead on that dark day at Hastinapur. The practice of using kumkum on foreheads is mentioned in many ancient texts - the Puranas, Lalitha Sahasranamam, Soundarya Lahhari to name a few." And so on; see: http://tinyurl.com/v43td Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 During worship of any god including devi, kumkum(red powder) is used and due to its abudnantand unending(anu dinamarcita kumkuma dhusara dushita vaasita....ref Lakshmi ashtottaram)use by devotees she is is always smeared with red. Idoubt whether this can be called a cosmetic use.The cosmetic red paste is used as circle varying in size from a small dot to a bigger circle on the lower forehead ,between the eyebrows.All married hindu women without exception(including devi parvati )wear this.Since when and why? I have no answers? willendorfer <willendorfer (AT) (DOT) ca> wrote: OK, here's another cultural question. In a number of hymns, I've seen descriptions of Devis as being smeared with "red paste." Is this referring to mehndi? What's the cultural significance of this cosmetic? Find out what India is talking about on - Answers India Send FREE SMS to your friend's mobile from Messenger Version 8. Get it NOW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 venkat bhasksr wrote: *** All married hindu women without exception (including devi parvati) wear this. Since when and why? I have no answers? *** Here are some answers: http://www.shaadi.com/wedding/rituals/bindi/040306-bindi-history.php or http://tinyurl.com/74wuv Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2006 Report Share Posted November 11, 2006 in a shakta context kum kum represents the menstrual blood of the goddess, which is considered holy, and not 'poluting' by shaktas... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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