Bindi

Bindi: A traditional bindi is red or maroon in colour. A pinch of vermilion powder is applied skillfully with a ring-finger to make a perfect red dot

Sindoor: Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime and mercury. Applied as a dot on the forehead or in the parting of the hair of married women.

Importance:

• While applying kumkum the points on the mid-brow region, Adnya chakra(Third Eye Chakra) is automatically pressed. This facilitates the blood supply to the

• face muscles. Also, it prevents the loss of energy and helps in controlling various concentration levels.

• Spiritually, Anga chakra is the site where one loses Ahamkara (ego) when one achieves self-realization. Bindi in this region is a symbol to remind us to see through the mind’s third eye

• Bindi was alternatively prepared from saffron, red/yellow turmeric, red/yellow sandalwood, various flowers, etc. Hence putting bindi at the center of eyebrows helps to cool the nerve centre and thus keeps one cool.

• Due to its intrinsic properties, Mercury, besides controlling blood pressure also activates sexual drive. This is why sindoor is applied by married women right upto the pituitary gland where all the feelings are centered. Mercury is also removes stress and strain.

• Mythologically, the red colour of Sindoor represents the “power”. Red is the color of fire, blood and strength. It indicates that women can also assume the form of Shakti (goddess of strength) in times of need.