Bhaktisandesam / Women look more beautiful when they wear Bindi (?)

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Great Indian Forehead Decoration

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Bindis: History, Legends, Significance

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'Bindi' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'bindu' or a drop, and

suggests the mystic third eye of a person. In ancient India, garlands

were an important part of the evening-dress of both men and women.

This was often accompanied by 'Visesakachhedya', i.e., painting the

forehead with a bindi or 'tilaka'. In those days, thin and tender

leaves used to be cut into different shapes and pasted upon the

forehead. These leafy bindis were also known by various names —

'Patrachhedya', 'Patralekha', 'Patrabhanga', or 'Patramanjari'. Not

only on the forehead, but also on the chin, neck, palm, breast and in

other parts of the body, sandal paste and other natural stuff were

used for decoration.

 

Myths and Significance

The vermilion, traditionally used exclusively for bindis, is

called 'sindura' or 'sindoor'. It means 'red', and represents Shakti

(strength). It also symbolizes love — one on the beloved's forehead

lights up her face and captivates the lover. As a good

omen, 'sindoor' is placed in temples or during celebrations along

with turmeric (yellow) that stands for intellect especially in

temples dedicated to Shakti, Lakshmi and Vishnu.

 

Sindoor in Scriptures

'Sindoor' and 'kumkum' are of special significance on special

occasions. The practice of using 'kumkum' on foreheads is mentioned

in many ancient texts (Puranas), including Lalitha Sahasranamam and

Soundarya Lahhari. Our religious texts, scriptures, myths and epics

too mention the significance of 'kumkum'. Legends have it that Radha

turned her 'kumkum' bindi into a flame-like design on her forehead,

and in Mahabharata, Draupadi wiped her 'kumkum' off the forehead in

despair and disillusion at Hastinapur.

 

Many people associate the red bindi with the ancient practice of

offering blood sacrifices to appease the Gods. Even in the ancient

Aryan society, a bridegroom made a 'tilak' mark on the bride's

forehead as a sign of wedlock. The present practice could be an

extension of that tradition. Significantly, when an Indian woman has

the misfortune of becoming a widow, she stops wearing the bindi.

Also, if there is death in the family, the women folks' bindi-less

face tells the community that the family is in mourning.

 

 

 

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Jai Shree Krishna !