Why does women wear Maang Tikka- Its origin and significance
INTRODUCTION:
India's jewelry is seldom best understood in isolation. Any particular piece's importance goes far beyond just fashionable in a nation that has perfected its customary decoration over ages. In the instance of the maang tikka, a centuries-old customary headdress from India, the source is actually spiritual. A drop pendant that elegantly rests in the middle of the bride's forehead is attached to the maang tikka, a common Indian hair ornament, which is usually worn on the hairline. In addition to being a crucial bridal accessory, the maang tikka has a deep-seated meaning. Read this article to learn the maang tikka's genuine significance and essence, as well as how it has evolved into a popular piece of jewelry among modern ladies.
MAANG TIKKA AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE:
The maang tikka is a chain with a hook at back and a pendant at the front. The pendant graces the woman's forehead's center while the hook is designed to hold the tikka at the end of the hair. On her wedding day, an Indian woman would often don a maang tikka for the first time. It is a key element of the solah shringaar, the sixteen ornaments worn traditionally by brides. Today, however, ladies all around the world, not just in India, wear the maang tikka as a fashion statement, sometimes even with western clothing.
The tikka can be worn in a number of ways to create the ideal appearance. Indian tradition says that the maang tikka bestows upon the bride strength, will, and knowledge to manage her new life's journey. In order to shield the bride from the evil eye and any negative energy, the maang tikka is also worn. Furthermore, the maang tikka primarily represents the union of the bride and the husband. The center of the forehead is where the tikka is placed. The Ajna Chakra, a location on a woman's forehead that serves as the seat of preservation, is said to reside in the center of the forehead, according to Indian culture. The chakra is typically pictured as having two petals, where the ambiguous deity Ardhanarishvara, who is half male and half female, resides. This symbolizes the sacred union of male and female on a spiritual, physical, and emotional level. She is able to connect with her third eye and use the power of concentration to awaken her knowledge, wisdom, courage, and willpower.
In addition to its religious and cultural significance, maang tikka is a popular accessory for complementing a women's ethnic appearance. This exquisite Indian hair ornament has secured its place in the world of fashion and has grown to be a highly wanted wardrobe staple for ladies everywhere, not just Indian brides. For a dancer, the head symbolizes heaven, and they wear what is referred to as Nethi Chutti, a long, thin jewel with a pendant. On either side of the head, two jeweled objects that resemble brooches—the moon and the sun—are worn.
The pendant should hang precisely in the center of the forehead, which is thought to be the location of the sixth chakra. It is designed to be hooked into the hair. This depicts the third eye or the soul's power, according to Hindu mythology. It represents a person's capacity for self-control and emotional fortitude. In paintings and sculptures from 5000 years ago, both men and women wore the elegant hair decoration known as a "maang tikka," which acquired its name because it was worn in the middle of the hair parting. Hindu mythology believes that our sixth chakra, or the "third eye," is situated where the tikka rests between the forehead.
THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT SORTS OF MAANG TIKKA AVAILABLE IN MARKETS; THUS, BEFORE PURCHASING ONE, THOROUGHLY RESEARCH ALL OF THE AVAILABLE VARIETIES.
1. Traditional Maang Tikka in gold tone
Usually, gold-tone maang tikka is worn in unison with other gold-finished jewelry. In the past, gold tone maang tikka had a simple and reasonable design, but in the present, there is a vast range of gold finish maang tikka that are adorned with pearls and other precious gemstones.
2. American Diamond Maang Tikka
Stylish maang tikkas with diamond embellishments are the ideal choice for all females who value modern style. This particular style of maang tikka is simply right for that amazing appearance and enhances the beauty of the girl's face. American diamond maang tikkas set off by ruby and emerald stones are particularly charming and work best when paired with fancy dress.
3. Jhoomar/Passa:
Muslim women traditionally use Jhoomar/Passa as a form of hair adornment. The left side of the forehead is where it is most frequently worn. It comes in fan and triangular shapes and is adorned with pearls and gemstones.
4. Borla / Bor
Rajasthani ladies frequently wear borla or bor to complete their traditional appearance. It comes in a round ball shape and is studded with semi-precious stones, pearls, and enamel work for added beauty. Even this wonderful piece of jewelry may be seen on Aishwarya in the Jodha Akbar film.
5. Kundan / Jadau Maang Tikka
These days, kundan or Jadau maang tikka is much more popular. This maang tikka's style is quite attractive and goes great with fashionable clothing.
6. Matha Patti
Matha patti is one of the most popular types of maang tikka. As it has an additional layer on the sides of the maang tikka, matha patti completely adorns the forehead. It is ideal for brides to wear in addition of their other jewelry. Matha Patti's side layers can vary; they might be either single or many.
7. One-sided Maang Tikka
It is a brand-new variety of maang tikka that has been shown in TV shows. Only one side of the central maang tikka is joined to the other strands. Given that this maang tikka is adorned with stones, most notably kundan.
8. South Indian Maang Tikka / Nethi Chutti:
On either side of the maang tikka are thick bands that are frequently set with pearls and other precious stones. Two spherical pendants are worn with maang tikka, which is typically from South India. The right-hand pendant on this set, which is placed in the hair, symbolizes the sun, and the left pendant, which symbolizes the moon.
Another myth about the origin of the maang tikka is that in ancient India, a monarch who had won a battle would smear the blood of his enemy over the forehead of the queen, covering even the middle portion of her hair. The sindoor custom, which Hindu women revere as a sign of her husband's happiness, originated from this. Even today, the groom removes the bride's maang tikka during the wedding ritual to apply sindoor (vermilion powder) and then replaces it, symbolizing the sindoor's protection from the evil eye. Due to these customs, the maang tikka is an important part of the 16 bridal decorations known as the solah shringaar that a Hindu bride customarily wears on her wedding day.