Indian women go through many transformations, both physically and socially, after getting married. With additional responsibilities, come a number of traditional practices that they have to adhere to. Some are indicative of their wedded life and some are followed simply because they have been a part of the Hindu culture for uncountable years. Vermillion on head, a mangalsutra, nose ring, wedding ring, bangles and toe rings - are some of the most prominent things that can be immediately noticed on a newly wedded woman. These are considered to be the markers of their new identity as a married woman.
What Is Mangalsutra?
A mangalsutra is an ornament that has been a part of the Hindu wedding ceremony for eons now. ‘Mangal’ means sacred and ‘sutra’ means thread, but it is more than just a mere thread. It symbolises power, sanctity and divine energy. The husband ties it around the neck of his wife as a wedding ritual and wives usually wear it throughout their lives.
Why Do Women Wear Mangalsutra?
There is much value and significance attached to it. It is a thread that ties a man and his wife together in an auspicious relationship for life. It signifies the union of the two and vows that they had taken together. It is not just a symbol of the marital status of women but is also considered to safeguard the life of the couple. For these reasons, women wear a mangalsutra after marriage as per the Hindu wedding customs.
Significance Of Mangalsutra
There are several stories associated with the significance of mangalsutra while its meaning remains the same. According to the Hindu scriptures, goddess Parvati, a married woman, was empowered and gained the status of the only woman in her husband's life, and symolised it by wearing a mangalsutra.
Traditionally, mangalsutra was a thread that ideally had two round cups in the centre with gold and black beads woven in the thread with gold representing goddess Parvati and black beads representing her husband, lord Shiva. The black beads hold the powers of the elements or Tattva of ‘Earth’ and ‘Water’, and the gold beads have the energies of the elements of ‘Fire’ and ‘Air’. These powers, when combined together, ward off negative energies and protect the married couple from evil. Both the cups are filled with haldi and kumkum before the groom ties it around the bride’s neck.
However, in modern times there can be seen many variations in the design of a mangalsutra. What once stood as an identity symbol, is now considered a trending bridal ornament also.
Mangalsutras For New-Age Women
Mangalsutras come in different patterns and lengths. There are also gold and diamond pendants available with intricately carved designs on the chain. Nowadays, Indian women prefer unconventional styles of mangalsutras as they can keep it stylish and conform to the wedding ritual at the same time