Kumkum,Kungumam @ Sindoor

It is a well known subject worldwide.

It is available in various shades of reds, from crimson to maroon, depending on individuals' desire.

Why is it red? Why is it not in any other color?

Red is the symbol of bravery, assigned by Parasakthi. That is why kungumam closely associated with Parasakthi.

Sindoor and Kungumam @ Kumkum. Are they the same?

No, they are not. Kungumam is rough in texture and is sold in packets. Kungumam is made from a flower. Sorry that I can't furnish you guys with the flowers' name, will update when I manage to find the name. Whereas sindoor, is made of a type of wood. Nowadays however, it is being made synthetically. It has a very fine texture and is commonly sold in plastic containers.

What is kungumam for?

Kungumam is used in prayers and can be applied on the for head by both genders and all age group, except for widows.



What is sindoor for?

Sindoor is applied only by married woman. It is a symbol of marriage, a demarkation given by her husband upon tying the knot with her.



Applying sindoor has its' own and unique meaning.

Applying sindoor on one's hair parting depicts Lord Shiva whereby it is to protect her husband as well as for her husbands' longevity.

Applying sindoor on the forehead is for her husband, as a sign of marriage.









Applying sindoor on the neck in between of the collar bones is to mark the relationship of her and her unborn child. To mark the pure and demure love between a mother and her children.

Then how about young women?

Girls and young women wear black pottu to ward of evil energy and spirits.

That is why newborn babies were marked with black pottu on their feet and palms.

However, due to fashion young girls nowadays donns up in colorful pottu.






Even Gwen wears a pottu @ bindi!!

This post is a brief explaination on sindoor and kungumam. Many of us are dealing with both kunguman and sindoor in daily basis without realising the hidden meaning behind it. I hope this post can give you guys a rough idea.


For more : http://www.the-nri.com/index.php/2011/01/indian-tradition-of-women-wearing-sindoor/comment-page-1/#comment-7347


Thank you for reading and stay tuned for upcoming posts.

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