Sacred Threads In Hinduism: Significance

Monday, February 17, 2014, 15:49 [IST]

You must have come across many people wearing different coloured threads on various parts of their body. Wearing sacred threads is a common practice in Hinduism.

You will find people wearing threads of various colours like white, black, yellow, red and orange on their wrists or neck and sometimes on the waist.

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Each sacred thread of the Hindu religion has an importance of its own. They are usually tied to a part of the body to ward off evil eye or for prosperity and good health.

An interesting fact about these sacred threads of Hinduism is that not all the threads can be worn by every one. The 'Janeu' thread for example is worn only by the upper castes of the Hindu religion. Even the yellow thread or the Mangalsutra is worn only by married women.

So, do you want to know more about the significance of the sacred threads in Hinduism? Then read on.

Red Thread Or Kalava

Wearing the red thread on either wrists is a common sight in India. Men as well as women can be seen wearing the red thread, which is also known as the Kalava. The red thread or Kalava symbolises long life and protection against enemies. Hence, in some parts of India the Kalava is also called 'Raksha' which means protection. The red thread is usually tied on the right hand of men and unmarried women, while it is tied on the left hand for married women.

Black Thread

Black colour denotes protection from the evil eye. A black thread is usually tied to the waist of small children to protect them against 'nazar' or evil eye.

Orange Or Saffron Thread

Orange or saffron threads are also tied on the wrist as it is said to bring fame, power and guard the person against all evil.

Pic Courtesy: Twitter

White Thread

The sacred white thread is tied on the Upanayana ceremony. This thread is also known as the 'Janeu thread'. White symbolises purity. According to Hindu practices, the white thread is only worn by the upper caste people of the religion.

Yellow Thread

The yellow thread is the symbol of marriage. On the wedding day, the yellow thread is prepared using turmeric and is tied around the bride's neck with three knots while the priest recites Vedic hymns.