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Significance Of Sindoor In Hinduism

Sindoor or vermillion is a mark of a married woman in India. Sindoor is seen as a visible expression of a woman that she desires her husband to live long. It is first applied when a woman gets married by her husband. Unmarried women and widows are exempted to use vermillion on their forehead.

Wearing sindoor is a common practice among most of the Hindu women. The significance of wearing sindoor goes back to Hindu mythology. According to popular beliefs, sindoor or vermillion is the symbol of Goddess Parvati or Sati. She is a role model for every Hindu woman as she sacrificed her life for the honour of her husband. Hence, it is believed that the woman who applies sindoor at the parting of her hair, is blessed by Goddess Parvati who also protects her husband.

Significance Of Sindoor In Hinduism

There are also many other historical evidences of wearing sindoor among women. Let us have a look why sindoor is so significant in Hinduism:

  • According to Hindu astrology, the house of Aries is on the forehead. The lord of Aries is Mars. Since the colour of Mars is red, hence it is believed to be auspicious. It is the sign of soubhagya or good fortune.
  • Sindoor is also a sign of female energy which helps to protect her husband from any calamity.
  • Sindoor also has religious significance. In the northern parts of India, it is extremely compulsory to wear sindoor during important festivals like Navratri and Sankranti.
  • Applying sindoor also has physiological significance. It is an intersting fact to know. This is because sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime with metal mercury. Due to its properties, mercury helps in controlling blood pressure and also activates the sexual desire in women. That is why sindoor should be applied upon the pituitary gland which is the centre to all our feelings.

These are some reasons why sindoor is significant in Hinduism. If you know of more, then let us know.

Story first published: Friday, July 26, 2013, 20:11 [IST]
Read more about: hinduism