Solah Shringar :

(Article written by Pallavi ji and edited by Sourabh Agarwal)

The word Solah Sringaar (16 adornments), creates an image of a beautiful woman, wearing shiny attractive clothes, ornaments in all parts of the body, long hair decorated with flowers, exotic fragrance, a big red Bindi which adds more grace to her beauty. 
The definition of Solah Sringaar has changed with time. Now if you talk about Solah Sringaar, mostly people will think about Dress, Maang tika, Earrings, Necklace, Nose Ring, Finger Ring, Mehndi, Bangles, Bindi, Kamar band, perfume, payal, Bichua, Flowers, Sindoor and kajal.

But according to our ancient tradition, the list of Solah Sringaar is different and has its own strong significance.

Below is the list of Solah Sringaar according to our ancient culture and tradition.
Angshuchi, Manjan, Vasan, Maang, Mahavar, kesh, Tilak bhaal, til chibuk me, Bhushan, Mehndi, Vesh, Missi, kajal, Angraja, viri aur Sugandh. 

1.ANGSHUCHI- (Cleansing of body) 
In olden tradition there were no soaps, so people use various kinds of Ubtan according to the seasons to cleanse their bodies. These were made of Milk, gram flour, oils, turmeric, Chandan, natural herbs etc. Ubtan made with these natural ingredients not only cleanse the body but gives a feel of calmness and freshness. It is the oldest and pure form of cosmetic which cannot be compared with today's artificial cosmetics full of chemicals. 
According to Ayurveda, using these homemade Ubtan can cure many doshas (Vaat, Pitta and Kapha) or imbalances in our body. It also stimulates the natural flow of body fluids, which is not possible with fancy soaps containing various chemicals.
But it is sad that now a days these Ubtan have been reduced to just ceremonial thing like haldi function in marriages.

2.MANJAN (TEETH CLEANING) 
Cleaning teeth is an important part of Solah Sringaar. In ancient times twigs of some specific trees along with various salt and oils where used, which not only gives a fresh breath but also adds strength and shine to teeth. 
There were varieties of tree twigs used for cleaning tooth like kshem, Arjun, Neem, Vaikankat etc. with their own significance. 
According to Samhita, The Ama (bile like secretion – think of it as a kind of poison) collects overnight and obstructs the Nadi of Agnya Chakra. According to Ayurveda, this Ama creates many diseases in body. The juice of the twigs which goes in mouth and throat nullifies the Aam.
Diseases like rheumatism, back pain, cholesterol is caused by Ama, which is quite common now a days with chemical based toothpastes.

3.VASAN (CLOTHES)

In olden traditions, beautiful clothes adored with work of gold and silver were part of women’s Sringaar.
When compared to today's nylon or artificial thread clothes, natural fibres have greater ability to imbibe and retains Sattvic vibrations. Hence, they are less receptive to negative energies. 
Wearing natural cotton fibre clothes are conducive for healthy skin also. These fabrics are much more breathable than artificial fabrics.
In Ayurveda, Vaat signifies air. Proper absorption of air in natural fibres balances the Vaat in body.

4.MAANG (APPLYING VERMILLION OR KUMKUM)
Now a days commonly available Kumkum or Sindoor is of no use. It is not good for skin as well it does not fulfil the core purpose of applying Sindoor on forehead. 
The traditional way of making Sindoor was the mixture of alum, turmeric, lemon juice. All these things have antifungal properties, and it gives a sense of coolness and focus when applied on forehead which is the place of Agnya and Crown Chakra. 
Also, traditionally some people mix mercury (also known as para in Hindi) in making kumkum, which controls blood pressure and activates sexual drives. This is the reason why Kumkum is not recommended for unmarried girls and widows.
The red colour of Kumkum represents female energy (Shakti) and mangal(saubhagya), and power.
According to Ayurveda applying Sindoor on forehead reduces stress, enhance concentration, and flow of positive energy.
When a lady is stress-free, there will be a sense of harmony and love in family. The concept of putting sindoor is lacking now a days and you can see the lack of disharmony and conflicts in most of the houses.
Sindoor finds special a mention in puranas like Lalita Sahasranaam, Soundarya Lahiri and Durga Saptshati

5. MAHAVAR OR AALTA
(RED COLOR LIQUID USED TO DECORATE FOOT) 

Mahavar or Aalta was traditionally made with betel leaves, but now it is replaced with artificial colour and chemicals. 
Aalta the bright red liquid is used to adorn palms and feet of a woman.
Energies of a woman is extremely high, or we can say a woman has high pran (life) shakti. Pran shakti (Life energy) of betel leaf is so high that it finds mention in sodsopchar pujan (16 offerings that we make to Guru and Gods). Traditionally made Alta has cooling effects which is much needed for a woman.
Beetel leaves has many medicinal properties out of which one is that it helps in fertility. 
In some traditions when a girl reaches womanhood, there is a ritual of applying Alta which represents fertility and prosperity.
Aalta adds beauty and calmness which is why it form an important part of dressing in many Indian dance forms.

6. Kesh (styling of hair) 
It is also called keshpaash. Combing hair drastically reduces the release of stress hormones in body.
Long hair is a symbol of femininity also it adds to the beauty of a woman.
Through the hair a person, electromagnetic energy is received (That’s why in case of nuclear attacked it is recommended to get bald headed as has could trap radiation). Hair naturally acts as an extremely powerful was to attract magnetic energy. The longer the hair, more energy it draws to brain. Also centre of the head is the place of 'pran shakti' that is why woman tie hair at this point to keep that energy intact. Brahmins also tie hair at this point. 
This energy transfers to nervous system.
Kesh pash sajja literally means “Hair tie decoration”. 
Metal ornaments which are a good conductor of energies are used to decorate hair. Decorating hair with flowers also helps this energy flow. It makes energy calm and intact in body.
Also, tieing hair is helpful in protecting from attracting unwanted negative energies.
Now a days, this tradition is almost invisible which leads to poor mental health and irritated behaviour of woman. 

7. Tilak Bhaal 
Tilak means bindi and bhaal means forehead. Bindi on the forehead of a woman not only makes her look more beautiful but it has a great significance and impact on our bodies. 
The place where we put bindi or tilak between the eyebrows is the main nerve point of human body. It is the place of third eye or aagya chakra which increases the focus and help in uprising of the energies. 
Traditionally to enhance this point sandalpaste, kesar, kumkum (Traditionally made) or ash is used. While putting bindi or tilak, this point is pressed with finger which helps to increase the blood flow and keeps you calm, focused and stress-free. In Ayurveda, this is the pressure point to release anxiety and keeps you cool.
Now a days this tradition of bindi is replaced by sticker bindis. Commonly available bindis with glue is of no use. These are simply red colour with glue base. While they still signify marital status of a girl in some cases, they lack the purpose of technology with which they were made traditionally. 

8. Til on Chin - (Til chibuk me)
According to Ayurveda, chin relates to small intestine. Putting a black kohl Til on chin presses that area and improve health.
It does not only look beautiful on a woman, but a black til also protects from evil eyes.

9. Bhushan or Abhushan or ornaments.
Wearing ornaments on various parts of body not only looks beautiful but it has spiritual and scientific significance. 
a. Maang teeka- (Bhor or borla)
Mang teeka is placed at the centre parting of hair. It is the place of union of male and female energies. Vital pran energies or life energies are significant here. So, wearing metal (gold, silver, precious gems) on this point keeps the body heat in control. It also maintains the mental balance. Putting sindoor in this partition of hair have similar effects. 
b. Nose pin or Nath-
It is not just the symbol of marriage, but the piercing point of nose is connected with the reproductive organ which helps in normal menstrual cycle and fertility.
c. Earrings-
The point where we pierce on ear is the acupressure point connected with bladder. Wearing a metal and continuous pressure on that point helps to maintain the health of this organ. Also, according to Ayurveda, piercing on earlobes helps curing Asthma.
d. Necklace or Mangalsutra- 
When a woman wears a necklace, it helps in maintaining blood pressure and blood circulation. It gives energy to heart chakra or Anahat chakra. 
e. Bangles-
Bangles not only adds to beauty but also increases blood circulation. Bangles made of gold, silver, copper, or glass creates sound vibrations in body which also helps to enhance vital energies. 
It is said that 'pran' or energies of the body always emanate through hands and feet. Round shape metal bangles help the pran to remain intact in body. Wearing of bangles is perhaps the most important ornament of all as all the important nerves passes through this point. Having proper bangle or Abhay sutra (moli) is of utmost importance.
f. Finger Rings or hathphool-
Nerves from the third finger goes directly to heart and other goes to brain cells. Nerves in our fingers, front part of palm and backside of the palm are connected to all the parts of body. Handling this part of body with proper ornaments (Nav-Ratna, Gold, Silver, and copper) helps maintain sound mental and physical health. 
g. Kamarband- 
It regulates the menstrual cycle and helps to remove extra fat in belly. Kamarband has direcy effect on reproductive organ. In few traditions men also wear a thread on belly.
h.  Payal or Anklet-
Anklets are generally made of silver because silver is a good conductor of energies coming from earth. Area above waist is good for Gold and below waist for silver. 
Payal is an integral part of Shringar for a woman. Its beautiful sound not only enhances Air element in our body but also protects the pran going out easily from the body. Pran emanates from body mostly through feet or hands and wearing anklets helps retain the vital life forces or pran.
i. Bichiya or Toe-Rings -
It is the point which regularizes the menstrual cycles of a woman. The second toe nerve is connected to uterus so, wearing metal toe ring here creates friction and helps to maintain the reproductive system. In certain Indian cultures, not wearing a toe ring is just unimaginable.
j. Armlet or bajuband-
Wearing a tight metal ornament here on arms helps in maintaining the muscle pressure and keeps blood circulation well.

Metals react well with the energies of the body. Therefore, ornaments are made of precious metals and gemstones. Proper metals (Gold, Silver and Copper) and stones (Navratna) has been identified for specific purposes. 

10. Mehendi Or Heena
Generally, mehendi signifies luck, blessing, prosperity, and a profound relationship between husband & wife. This is the reason mehendi is an integral part of our culture on many festivals and occasions. The natural fragrance of mendhi is so intoxicating that not only men, but beings from other dimensions can also get attracted. Hence traditionally, a girl with fresh mendhi should not walk alone at unknown places or seat under a tree as they may suffer from unexplainable symptoms. If it is must to roam outside with fresh mendhi, it is always advisable to carry a iron piece.
In Ayurveda, mehendi has medicinal properties which keeps body cool, relaxes nerves, and calms the mind. It also cures inflammation, cuts, and allergies. Anyone who has applied mendhi and sat down for some time could understand the cooling properties of mendhi. 
When applied on hands and foot sole, it also increases blood circulation. 
Mendhi is perhaps the most mystical of solah sringar.

11. Vesh or Dress
Wearing a beautiful dress does not only add beauty to a woman but it also gives vital pran depending upon the material and colour of the cloth.
Like Red, orange, pink, green gives love, passion, creativity, and zeal whereas whites, creams give calmness and peace. 
The overall personality of a person is decided by the type of clothes he/she is wearing. Always prefer natural fibres like cotton and silk. It creates satva guna to the wearer. It allows your pran energy to move freely. Artificial fibres like polyester, nylon etc do not let the pran move freely. In simpler words, natural fibres are more breathable than synthetic fibres.
Natural clothes also protect the body from the negative energies. Natural fibres are highly resistant to UV waves of sunlight.
The type and colour of clothes a person wears attracts the corresponding vibrations and energies. 

12. Missi
It is a black powder made of iron, some fragrant leaves and copper sulphate. It is used in many cultures where woman used it for tinging their teeth. This reduces blackness, gaps from teeth, and gives fresh breath.
It is said that teeth have some suppressed emotional energies. Using this specific powder adds beauty and helps remain happy. 

13. kajal or black kohl or Surma
In almost all the cultures women use kajal (eye makeup) in the upper and lower part of their eyes, which makes her look more beautiful. 
Also, it is believed that putting black kajal (Traditionally made with ghee, cotton wick and camphor) eliminates evil eyes and negative energies.
Applying traditionally prepared kajal keeps the eyes cool and clean, improve vision and strengthen the eyes. It has also been used for the prevention and treatment of eye diseases such as blepharitis, cataract, conjunctivitis etc.
Speaking and seeing are the two activities through which we lose most of our energy.  
In Ayurveda, putting natural kajal helps to protect eyes from dust and infections. 
Commercially available kajal are made up of chemicals like lead, galena, minium, amorphous carbon, magnetite, and zincite. While they look good and offers tear proof, smudge proof and what not, they do not serve the original purpose for which kajal was created. On the contrary, these chemical ladened kajal are injurious to health. They cause damage to brain and bone marrow, causing convulsions and anaemia.

14.Veeri
Veeri is use of flowers, petals and beetal leaves to enhance beauty. Chewing of beetal leaves not only gives fresh breath but protects mouth from infections and helps in fertility too.
Use of flowers is considered sacred in our culture. There are three gunas namely rajas, tamas and sattav. Like animals have life energies, so do flowers and fruits. Bali or sacrifice is provided of these things so that we can imbibe their life energies into ours. A person of Tamas nature would sacrifice a lamb or buffalo which would enhance the tamas life forces within, providing him or her with strength. A person of Rajas nature would sacrifice a fruit which would enhance the rajas life forces within, providing him or her with success in task or in other words tasks would bear fruit. However, a person of Sattiv nature would sacrifice a flower which would enhance the Sattvic life forces within. This enhances sensibility and subtlety. Women are more sensible than men in general. While flowers enhance subtlety, they are also perfect tribute, a symbol of women’s sensibility.

15. Sugandhi or Itra or attar
Oil extracted from natural sources were used in solah sringaar for mesmerizing smell and fragrance. Itra or perfume also helps in maintaining the earth element in our body, keeps your pran energetic. Significance of atta can be understood by the fact that apart from India, cultures in Egypt, Persia, Arab, Yemen, etc also adopted this as important part of their life. 
Attar is smelled through nose which has direct connection with brain. A person familiar with proper technology of perfumery can make magical things happen from making someone instantly fall in love to conjuring spirits. Some attars (prepared from mixture of various attar) are so powerful that it can even attract beings from other realms. Smell of Mendhi is one such powerful attar. 
Some attars are used in occult processes. It is not advisable to go to certain place wearing attar specially for women. Places like under tree (specially Peepal, bargad, ber etc), temples where occult is practiced (like where bali-pratha is still active), places near cemetery, near a freshly dead person or places which may be categorized as holding negative energies.
However, these days, to maintain consistency and availability, modern day perfumes are invariably prepared from chemicals.  

16. Argaja
Argaja is a paste made of saffron, Chandan and camphor. It is used to decorate the body with beautiful motifs to keep the body perfumed. It also keeps the insects away from the body and gives soothing effects too.

These are the traditional sixteen shringaar of our culture, which is now replaced by sticker bindis, artificial jewellery, cosmetic sindoor, chemical perfume, commercial kajal, chemical soaps and tattoos. Consequently, changes in a woman's life are visible. Now a days they are more stressed, confused, aggressive, many infertile, suffer early menopause and have no warmth in relationships.
We always protect what is more precious. Anyone would protect a piece of gold rather than a bar of Iron. Both weak and precious needs protection. We need not conclude that if something is protected, it by default means, that it is weak. It may just be utterly precious. But just like we have replaced thoughtful shringaar with harmful chemicals, we have replaced our understanding of why something needs protection.

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