Mangalsutra: Importance of it Wearing In Hinduism | Find Out is Breaking of Mangalsutra a Bad Omen!
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There are many wedding rituals and ornaments in the Hindu culture that the bride wears to preserve happiness and love between married couples. One of the most important ornaments that are more than just a piece of fashion jewelry is a Mangalsutra. Many women these days choose to not wear this sacred thread. However, wearing mangalsutra in Hinduism has an ancient Vedic significance.
In this guide, we have explained the importance of Mangalsutra, why you should wear it, and the many health benefits it offers. Dive in for all the information!
Meaning of Mangalsutra – Why Is Wearing Mangalsutra in Hinduism So Important?
Mangalsutra is a sacred thread with a deeper significance. Breaking it carefully into 2 words, it becomes Mangal and Sutra. Mangal in Hinduism means auspicious. It is also the Hindi name of planet Mars. Sutra means thread.
So, the literal meaning of mangalsutra is an auspicious thread worn by the bride to seek the blessings of Mars. Its importance and significance are related to protecting the marriage from the ill effects that Mars can haul between couples. Most importantly, it is believed that a Mangalsutra is worn for the long life and good health of the husband.
Hindu Vedas permit unmarried girls to keep the Karwachauth fast. Hence, some people assume that it is ok for unmarried girls to wear mangalsutra. It’s not the case though. A mangalsutra should be worn by married women only.
3 Types of Mangalsutra – Does Variety Matter?
The first-ever mention of using a mangalsutra to seek the blessings of planets such as Mars and Jupiter is found in scriptures from South India.
Thali/Thirumangalyam – The Vedic Dyed South Indian Yellow Thread
This is the first type of Mangalsutra that originated in South India. Many states still use the same Vedic sacred thread. A gold pendant is attached to this mangalsutra.
This type of mangalsutra is made of 11 yellow-colored dyed threads with 3 knots. The 1st knot is made by the husband at the time of marriage. The remaining 2 knots are made by the sister-in-law(s) of the groom.
- The 1st knot signifies the faithfulness of the bride towards her husband.
- The 2nd knot signifies the bride’s devotion and love towards her in-laws. It also signifies that the bride will treat all the relatives and family members of the groom – other than her in-laws – with respect.
- The 3rd and the last knot signifies that the bride will worship lord Shiva and lord Vishnu with utmost devotion.
The Two-String Mangalsutra with Black Beads
This is probably the most popular North Indian type of Mangalsutra. It has 2 strings (usually made of gold). Both the strings are adorned with black beads and a gold pendant, known as Tanmaniya, in the center.
- Significance of Black Beads in Mangalsutra – According to Vedic texts and scripts, black beads in mangalsutra signify Saturn (Shani Deva). It is believed that these beads keep evil eyes and negative energies away from the couple.
- Significance of 2 Strings in mangalsutra – One string represents Lord Shiva and the second string represents Goddess Parvati (Shakti). Hence, the 2 strings represent the Holy union between Shiva and Shakti. It is believed that this union of 2 strings makes the marriage as successful and respectful as the marriage of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati.
- Significance of Golden Pendant – The pendant signifies Jupiter (Guru Graha). Jupiter is associated with Lord Vishnu. Hence, its purpose is to minimize arguments between married couples and bring love and mutual respect between the husband and wife.
Mangalsutra With Red Coral
The red color is the color of planet Mars and Red Coral is the gemstone of this planet. Since Mars can create extensive problems between couples, it is believed that wearing a mangalsutra with a pendant embellished with red coral gemstone is the best way to appease Mars.
In the form of statement jewelry, the Mangalsutra bracelet is becoming very popular. Floral patterns and diamond mangalsutras are also very popular.
3 Health Benefits of Wearing a Mangalsutra
People mostly think that the mangalsutra is worn just for the health, happiness, and well-being of the husband. However, it’s just half the truth. A mangalsutra also offers health benefits to women wearing it.
It Offers Protection from Heart Diseases
The ideal length of the mangalsutra should be such that the pendant reaches the chest. The chest symbolizes Anahat-chakra (heart chakra) in astrology.
It is believed that when a mangalsutra touches the Anahat-chakra, it offers instant protection to the heart. Hence, women wearing a mangalsutra are believed to be protected from cardiovascular diseases such as unregulated blood pressure, heart attack, cardiac arrest, and so on.
It Keeps Negative Energies Away
The black beads in the mangalsutra are known to keep negative energies and evil away from the woman wearing it. It does not just offer peace, it also reduces restlessness, anxiety, and depression. Hence, wearing a mangalsutra is considered to be very good for the mental health of women.
It is the Source of Positive Energy
Not only does a mangalsutra remove negativity, but, according to astrology, it also activates the Surya-Nadi in the body of a woman wearing it. Activated Surya-Nadi starts the influx and flow of positive vibrations and energies.
When to Buy Mangalsutra – Can Unmarried Girls Wear Mangalsutra?
Just as mahurat is very important to get married. Similarly, something as important as mangalsutra should be purchased on auspicious days and dates only.
- Auspicious days to buy mangalsutra – Thursdays and Fridays of every month are considered to be extremely auspicious for buying mangalsutra.
- Auspicious dates to buy mangalsutra – You can buy a mangalsutra on the 3rd, 6th, 12th, 15th, 21st, 24th, and 31st of any month.
Out of all the days and dates to buy mangal sutra, if the 24th of any month falls on a Thursday or Friday, it is the best time to buy a mangalsutra.
What Happens if Mangalsutra Breaks – Is Breaking of Mangalsutra a Bad Omen?
Women usually dread the breaking of mangalsutra since many rumors indicate that breaking of a mangalsutra is a bad omen that indicates that the life of the husband might be in danger. However, it’s entirely false. No matter what, any piece of jewelry is prone to breaking.
Bear in mind, mangalsutra breaking isn’t inauspicious or unlucky, wearing a broken or damaged mangalsutra is.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it necessary to wear a mangalsutra?
In terms of Vedic astrology, yes. However, many women choose to not wear a mangalsutra nowadays. You have to understand that a mangalsutra isn’t simple fashion jewelry. It has a valid astrological significance.
2. What is the importance of the mangalsutra?
A mangalsutra is known to be a sacred thread that offers protection from the ill effects of Mars in a marriage. It is also known to protect the husband from diseases and accidents. Lastly, wearing a mangalsutra is known to bring peace to married life.
3. Can unmarried girls wear mangalsutra?
No. A mangalsutra should be worn by married women only. The groom places it around the neck of the bride at the time of the wedding ceremony.
4. Can we wear mangalsutra in hand?
Yes. Whilst it’s ideal to wear a mangalsutra around the neck, it can still be worn as a bracelet.
5. What should be the length of mangalsutra?
The ideal length is such that the pendant should touch the heart Chakra.
6. What are the health benefits of mangalsutra?
It protects women from heart diseases and keeps negative and evil energies away. It also brings mental peace and reduces depression, anxiety, and restlessness.
7. What are the most popular types of mangalsutra?
There are 3 types. The first one is the south Indian version known as Thali/Thirumangalyam. The second is the two-string mangalsutra. The third is the red-coral mangalsutra.
8. What is the significance of Black beads in mangalsutra?
Black beads in the mangalsutra signify the planet Saturn. According to Vedic astrology, black beads offer protection from evil eyes.
9. What is the significance of 2 strings in mangalsutra?
The 1st string signifies lord Shiva. The 2nd string signifies Devi Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. Hence, collectively, the 2 strings signify the bond between husband and wife (just like the bond between Shiva and Parvati) for eternity.
10. What is the significance of a gold pendant in mangalsutra?
The gold pendant signifies Jupiter and Lord Vishnu. The purpose of Jupiter is to bring peace and love to marriage.
11. Is the breaking of mangalsutra a bad omen?
No, it isn’t. Instead, wearing a broken mangalsutra is a bad omen.