Solah Shringar Meaning
"Solah Shringar" is made of two Hindi words: 'Solah' and 'Shringar'. The word 'Solah' means 'Sixteen' and the meaning of 'Shringar' is 'Adornments'. Thus the meaning of 'Solah Shringar' in English can be termed as '16 Adorments'.
The word "सोलह श्रृंगार" is also written as (In Hindi) "सोलह शृंगार" and "सोलह शृंगारी". It is known as "षोडश शृंगार" as well.
As the above word-meaning suggests, it is about donning the 16 Shringar items of an Indian bride. These are not worn for just looking beautiful; every Solah Shringar item depicts or symbolizes something as per the Hindu Mythology and beliefs.
In this article, we will list both Indian bridal shringar accessories and the Solah Shringar significance for those who believe in them as a part of the wedding ritual.
Hindu Mythology: Importance of 16 Adornments
The significance of Solah Shringar is not contracted to the traditional or customary beliefs only; many people correlate the scientific reasons behind these 16 Shringar Items.
Hindu ladies wear them not only on their marriage day but also on important days, events, and ceremonies that belong to their family or religious importance. Solah Shringar on Karwa Chauth, Teej, or other fasting days holds great importance among the Indian females and families while performing the religious rituals.
Solah Shringar & Lunar Effects
Many scientific and historic studies established a coherent relationship between the lunar and menstrual cycle, which was contradicted in 1996. The beliefs are ongoing in Hindu rituals that the 16 phases of the moon have a negative effect on the woman’s menstrual cycle. In traditions, the 16 adornments are considered to correspond to the 16 phases of the moon and are donned to nullify the negative effects.
Shringar: Word Expression
Shringar incorporates ‘Shri’ in it, which is another name of ‘Laxmi’, the goddess of wealth, luck, and beauty. The bride and newly married woman is considered and called Laxmi who brings prosperity with her.
Celestial Appearance
The wedding day is also believed to celebrate the divinity and beauty of the bride as she transits to womanhood, so the bride is given a divine emergence by 16 adornments.
Pre-Shringar: Ceremonial Bath
Before unfolding the Solah Shringar Wikipedia, let's know those two rituals which are also performed with great celebration and labeled as the ceremonial bath.
This divine bath incorporates two steps.
Hair Wash
The aroma oils are applied to the bride’s hair and then a mixture of herbs is used to wash hair. This mixture consists of Brahmi, Amla, Shikakai, Bhringraj and Aloe Vera.
Organic Scrub (Ubtan)
The secret to the radiant skin of the bride is Ubtan that is applied to the bride’s face, hands, arms, and legs. This organic scrub is made of a mixture of various powders (sandalwood, turmeric, and gram flour), liquids (milk, oil), and some fragmented herbs.
Needless to say, the bride looks graceful and oh-so-glowing after taking a bath.
16 Adornments (Solah Shringar)
Now the time comes when a bride is embellished with 16 ornaments. An Indian girl waits for this moment as she looks the most beautiful in her life on this occasion. Let's know which 16 accessories complete the 16 Shringar Kit! Below is the list of all Solah Shringar Items with their Hindi names:
Bridal Dress (Shadi Kaa Joda)
The type of traditional dress depends on the bride’s heritage; it may be a sari, lehenga, or salwar suit. Heavy embroidery with golden-colored thread is also common in these outfits.
Mythology
Red is considered an auspicious color and is most commonly seen in a wedding dress (fully or in combination with other bright colors). A veil covers the bride’s face, which symbolizes youth, modesty, and virginity.
Hairdo (Keshapasharachana: Kesh-Pash-Rachna, that is, Hair-flock-arrangement)
Hair Braid
A bun and an associated braid are made.
Flowers (Gajra)
The hair bun and braid are adorned with a coiled string of flowers (usually Jasmine) and hair accessories.
Mythology
The three parts of hairs in a plate symbolize:
- Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati-the three holy rivers of India
- Brahm, Vishnu, and Mahesh- the trinity of Hindu Gods
- The families of the bride’s father, in-laws, and her own that unites both of the families
One mythology says that the bride’s open hair may enchant the groom, so they are tied up.
Hair Accessories (Maang-teeka or Mang-patti or Bhor or Borlaand Mandoria)
This accessory is made of precious stones, gold or silver, and worn in the center parting of hairs; it ends till forehead. To highlight the allure of the bride, one other accessory Mandoria is worn. It is a strand of pearls that is tied across the forehead on either side.
Mythology
- This symbolizes the third eye and is said to empower spiritual energies and intuitive power.
- As this prime accessory is placed on the sixth chakra (Ajna-chakra) of the forehead, it represents the power of the soul and signifies concentration, control, and preservation.
Sacred Mark on Forehead (Bindi or Teeka or Tilak)
The sacred symbol of a married woman, bindi is donned on the center of the forehead. It is a circular red dot of vermilion powder. A bride decorates red and white bindies along with the eyebrows as well.
Mythology
- It is believed that a mystical eye rests at this place, which enables the bride to see the future. It sensitizes her about if something bad is destined for the future.
- This spot (Agna) is considered to be a house where wisdom lies and experiences gather in concentration. While meditation, Kundalini or energy rises from the base of the spine to this spot, so this is said to be a ‘command center’.
Vermillion (Sindoor)
During the wedding rituals, this sign of wedlock is applied by the groom to the bride’s central parting of the hair. Its red color represents the fertility power of a woman and is believed to be auspicious.
Mythology
- This sacred mark symbolizes the energy of Parvati and Sati. It is believed that if a woman wears sindoor, goddess Parvati wards off evil spirits and safeguards her husband, bestowing a longer life.
- It attracts cosmic energy and bestows prosperity, good fortune, and good health.
Kohl (Anjana or Kajal)
Traditional kohl is made of soot of earthen lamp (Diya or Deepak) and applied on the upper and lower rims of the eyelids.
Mythology
It is believed that the bride may be afflicted by bad eyes as she looks dramatically beautiful, so kohl is applied to ward off the evil eyes and safeguard the bride.
Nose Ring (Nath)
A nose ring is made of pearls, gems, and diamonds and worn in the left nostril. Some nose rings are extended to the left ear by a chain that is hooked across the cheek and tucked into the hair.
Mythology
The nose ring symbolizes spirituality, royalty, bravery, and a rite of passage.
Ear Rings (Karn Phool or Jhoomars)
Ear rings are worn after ear piercing and come in various designs with embedded gems, stones, and diamonds. Jhoomar is an ear ring with a hanging design and made of gold.
Mythology
The temple design of Jhoomar is considered to be auspicious.
Chain & Necklace (Haar and Mangal-sutra)
A chain (often of gold) is worn by the bride and a necklace of black beads is put by the groom during the marriage rituals. This black-beaded necklace is called Mangal-sutra and is embellished with gems, stones, and diamonds.
Mythology
As it symbolizes marriage, a bride wears it lifelong.
Armbands or Armlets (Baajuband)
Armbands are worn on the upper arm, often on the sleeves of the blouse, and made of gold, pearls, diamond, or silver. Mugal, Jaipuri or Rajasthani are the most popular designs of armlets.
Mythology
It is said the armbands protect from the evils by keeping them away.
Henna (Mehndi)
The day before the marriage, henna paste is applied in various intricate designs and patterns to the hands and feet of both bride and groom. When washed off, the henna leaves an orange-red color.
Sacred Red Ink Made of Plants (Aalta or Mahavar or Mahur)
In some parts of India (for example Bengal and tribal areas) a red-colored ink called Alta is applied to the outer border of feet.
Mythology
- It is said that the darker is the color of mehandi, the deeper will be the love of your soul mate.
- Henna is believed to keep the misery, diseases, and death away, by protecting from evil effects. Henna signifies the essence of love, strength of the bond and connection between the bride and groom.
Bangles and Bracelets (Choodiyaan& Kangan)
Bangles are another sign of marriage and worn in the wrists of the hands. These are made of glass, iron, metal, ivory, ceramic and gold.
Hanging String (Kalira)
Some brides (like Punjabi and Sikh) add bright and attractive Kaliras to bangles.
Mythology
There is a tradition that a newly married woman shouldn't perform the chores until her wedding bangles are not removed.
Thumb Ring (Arsi)
Along with the other rings, a bride also wears the thumb rings; the ring incorporates small mirrors.
Mythology
As the bride carries a veil, the embedded small mirrors help her taking a glimpse of her life partner and herself.
Waistband (Kardhani or Kamarband)
The waistband is a beautiful belt that is tied around the waist. It is embellished by the gems and precious stones. This ornament not only enhances the beauty, but also helps keeping the sari or dress in place.
Mythology
The waistband is made of gold, which portrays a sign of future success. Some people connect it with the health of the couple's future child.
Anklets & Toe Rings (Payal or Pajeb and Bicchuaas)
- Anklet is a chain made of silver and worn in feet. This beautiful accessory owns tiny bells on its edges, which make a rhythmic sound when a bride walks or moves.
- Toe rings are donned in the second toes of the feet, which symbolize marriage.
Mythology
- Anklets are worn by a bride to draw the attention of her presence and announce her entry to her groom’s house and life.
- These anklets are made of silver, not gold because gold is respected as God. It is considered that wearing them in the lowest part of the body (feet) is disrespectful and a bad omen.
Scent (Itra or Itar)
This is applied to the bride for keeping her smell nice; it keeps her fresh during the lengthy rituals of the wedding.
Mythology
The long-lasting sweet fragrance of scent signifies the positive and pleasant aura, which is believed to keep the atmosphere auspicious and welcoming.
From rich to poor and metro cities to villages, almost all Indian families believe in these traditions and follow them whether they know the implications or not. However, Indian weddings are full of colors and brightness.
Needless to say, some modern twists are given to them, but still they are dramatic and worth watching.
