Marriage is an important passage for women in Hinduism. During the wedding ceremonies married woman are seen to be the personification of the goddess of fortune Lakshmi. Shodash or Solah Shringar are sixteen beautifying processes that define a bride.
The Sixteen Adornments of a Hindu Bride
While some of the beautifications are well known and acceptable for single women such as mehndi- others are only for a married woman. The different components of Shodash Shringar are;
- Bindi - traditionally a circular red dot of vermillion powder worn in between the eyebrows or the center of the forehead. Recently bindis have become self-adhesive, are available in various colors, and may be embellished with diamante and other embellishments. The bindi itself may be adorned with red and white dots around the forehead and along the eyebrows.
- Sindoor - vermillion powder applied in the parting of the hair is one of the most obvious signs of a bride and is only ever worn by married women.
- Maangtika- a gold or silver ornament worn in the parting of the hair.
- Keshapasharachana - an attractive hair style.
- Bridal sari or dress - a traditional sari for a wedding is usually red.
- Mehndi- Intricate henna is applied to the bride’s hands and feet.
- Anjana - kohl eyeliner (kaajal) is applied to the upper and lower eyelids.
- Nath - A nose ring or stud is worn, sometimes a hoop is attached to the hair with a chain.
- Karn Phool - flower earrings.
- Mangal Sutra - a distinctive wedding necklace usually made of gold and black pearls.
- Choodiyan - Colorful bangles made of glass are usually red and worn with elaborate gold bangles.
- Baajuband - pretty armlets are worn on the upper arms.
- Aarsi - a thumb ring.
- Kamarband - this translates to mean "waist covering" and is a belt that is likely to be made of gold and helps to hold the sari in place.
- Payal - nice anklets that are often made of silver with many tiny bells attached to it.
- Bichuas - eye-catching toe rings are worn to complete the shringar.
The Importance of Wedding Sringar
The Sodash Shringar is believed to represent the sixteen phases of the moon that affect a woman’s menstrual cycle. The Shringar is said to nullify this negative effect and is also said to bring good fortune, wealth and fertility. Hindu scriptures such as the Padma Purana do refer to the importance of these adornments; notably nose studs.
Currently there is a revival of Shodash Shringar in some Western countries, though many are inspired more by Bollywood films such as Jodha Akbar rather than Hindu culture. Even if all sixteen beauty processes aren't used mehndi, mangal sutra and sindoor are always used as they are part of the Hindu wedding ceremony.
Sources:
HinduCouncilUK.org. Evidence on Nose Stud Significance Sent to the GMB Union (Accessed August 5, 2011).
ILoveIndia.com Solah Shringar for Hindu Bride (Accessed August 5, 2011).
Priya Chauhan - A designer, topic editor and feature writer (for Hinduism) and all round experimenter of healthy living; Priya enjoys being creative, and ...
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