RED KUMKUM - A SYMBOL OF RADIANCE

 

Hindus apply kumkum, a red powder, on their forehead as a sign of blessing and good luck. It is believed to bring auspiciousness and ward off negative energies. It is also a way of honoring the divine and expressing devotion to the Gods.

The Hindu relics practice the use of Kumkum in their religious ceremonies from ages. The Indian women uses vermilion as a sign of their married status. The use of vermilion was not only limited to India but it was used in Ancient Rome and China for the decorative purposes.

Kumkum's red color symbolizes auspiciousness, enthusiasm, euphoria, and courage. Applying it on the forehead brings happiness to the mind.

Kumkum is a powder used for social and religious markings in India. It is made from turmeric or any other local materials. The turmeric is dried and powdered with a bit of slaked lime, which turns the rich yellow powder into a red color. It is also called Roli.

 Preparing kum kum: We start with pure Haldi, and add slate (commonly called Slate and scientifically called Calcium Carbonate), which is a naturally occurring substance. The turmeric goes through a few steps of washing, heating, and cooling before the golden yellow changes to red. And that's our Kumkum.

 Sindoor and kumkum: Sindoor is derived from vermillion, also known as the mineral called cinnabar. Kumkum is derived from a mixture of powdered dried saffron, turmeric, and slaked lime.

 How to Spot Natural Kumkum:  One key identifying factor is the smell and the colour that kumkum leaves behind when rubbed between the fingers. Natural kumkum leaves behind a yellow residue or stain on the fingers.

 Kumkum in Temples: Kumkum at temples is found in heaps. People dip their thumb or ring finger into the heap and apply it on the forehead or between the eyebrows. In most of India, married women apply red kumkum to the parting of their hair above their forehead every day as a symbol of marriage.

 Kumkum has a history steeped in spirituality, rituals, and symbolism. In ancient Indian scriptures, it is often mentioned as a symbol of feminine energy and devotion. The use of Kumkum on the forehead, known as “Bindi,” holds spiritual and social significance, signifying the third eye and the marital status of a woman.

 Kumkum is a form of Shakti. Applying kumkum on the forehead is a symbol of Sanatan Hindu culture and also of sacredness and auspiciousness. In some regions, women apply kumkum in the centre parting of their hair in addition to the forehead.

Donned between the hair partition; sindoor, also known as kumkum, represents years of ancient folklore and beliefs about a woman's validation as a married woman. Put on by the husband during wedding rituals, sindoor is then applied by women every day to mark his presence in her life.

From a religious perspective, devotees offer Kumkum while worshipping Shakti and Lakshmi. It helps us to embrace the blessings from them. During Navratri, devotees apply Kumkum on Devi's forehead, and there are numerous hymns in Hinduism that praise Kumkum. Devotees recite them during Navratri.

Also, the color of fire, blood and strength, the shade Red indicates that women should never be considered less and should be respected as Shakti (goddess of strength)

Kumkum is believed to gather and retain energy and is sometimes kept in the temple. According to ancient Indian texts, applying Kumkum between eyebrows on the forehead is thought to enhance receptivity, boost intuition, and attract positive energy. It also symbolizes good luck.

 

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(This blogpost is a part of Blogchatter's Bloghop. : https://www.theblogchatter.com/blogchatter-blog-hop-a-new-way-to-write-collectively