Concept of "Kumkum"
- Compiled by Santosh S Katti
- Aug 7, 2015
- 2 min read
Why should the women apply kumkum between the eyebrows?
What is the secret behind applying RED colour kumkum?
In the past, elders used to tell that “A married woman was visible from 3 furlongs”, which implied that the kumkum was so prominent and visible.Let me explain the science behind it.
Everybody in their routine and household works, directly or indirectly, stimulate the nerves in every part of their body. But, the only nerve which is not involved in any exercise is the one which passes through the center of the eyebrows on the forehead to the brain.
While applying the vermillion powder (kumkum) on the forehead, we need to press the finger with some pressure and rotate. This will causu a light massage to the nerve. This will stimulate the nerve and helps in improving concentration, and improves the activities of other parts associated with it. But, this advantage is lost by those women who apply bindi stickers, which does not require pressure and hence does not activate the nerve.
The colour of the kumkum (vermillion powder) has to be RED in colour because, the colour has the capacity ride away the negative energies or rays. One can feel this whenever a person will look at a woman with a prominent kumkum on her forehead. The person carries a respectful view at the lady and curtails the negative thoughts in the person if any.
In the view of spiritual and yogic science, the forehead the place of “Ajna Chakra”. The ayurveda also believes in stimulating this point by gentle massage on between the eyebrows, either with fingers or by constant pouring of oil.
Women should not relate the kumkum concept with men because, men also stimulate the nerve between their eyebrows by applying “Urdhwapundra Naama”, at the time of Sandhyavandane using Gopi-chandana or Gandha-lepa. It is repeated at the time of lunch while applying “Angaara” and “Akshanti”.
By sharing this small piece of information, I believe there will be a large impact in the Brahmin community with the help of reasoning and realisation of the concepts that was designed long ago by our Vedic philosophers. We should also understand that, their innovations are for our good.