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| Indian Forehead Jewelry |
Forehead Jewelry has been an important part of the Indian culture since ancient times.In India forehead center located between the eyebrows is the center of 6th "Agana Chakra"or "Indu/Chandra Chakra" or third eye.It controls and energizes the pituitary gland and is important for endocrine and nervous systems.The purpose of the forehead chakra is to help you to gain higher spiritual awareness.
Here we look at the various Indian adornments and ornaments for the forehead.
Bindi:
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| Bindi |
Since ancient times, Bindi or tikka or tilak is the most visually fascinating in all form of forehead decoration in India. The word 'Bindi' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'bindu' or a drop and suggests the mystic third eye of a person.Women apply bindi with red Kumkum/Sindoor representing Shakti or strength.Men apply Tilak with sandalwood paste mixed with rose water.
However as per latest fashion trend, bindi has taken a new twist with arrival of designer bindis decorated with gemstones and applied as stickers on the forehead.
Maang Tikka:
Maang Tikka is a beautiful ethnic piece of jewellery which adorns the forehead of a traditional Indian bride. It is also a part of the "Solah Shringaar" or 16 adornments worn to accentuate the bride’s beauty.The maang is the stringed portion which lays flat between the parting of the hair, while the tikka is the jeweled part which sits on the forehead on the spot on the forehead where you apply a tilak or bindi.
It is a very versatile piece of jewellery and can be worn in various styles. The types of maang tikkas vary from region to region in India.
- South Indian Maang Tikka is known as "Netti Chutti" is crafted out of traditional plain gold without any stones.
- Rajasthani maang tikka known as "Borla" has a rounded center is made from pearls , kundan/jadau and meenakari.
- Women from Himachal Pradesh wear Chirri Tikka ornament on her forehead during Dussehra and other special occasions. Chirri Tikka is usually silver,enameled and has lots of bell drops.
Jhoomar:
Jhoomar worn by Muslim brides is another forehead head ornament which is worn on one side of the hair, falling partly on the forehead like a one-side ‘mang tikka’.
Matha Patti:
Matha Patti is another forehead ornament which is a extended variation of Maang Tikka. Also known as Shringar Patti, the central tikka is a flat piece suspended from the centre of the forehead while one or several chains hang along the hairline on both sides.
Evidence from the ancient texts indicates the mention of some rare forehead ornaments that early Indians adorned themselves.They are Sitara or a ornament with a stamped pattern of a Star worn below the parting of the hair and at the center of the forehead. There is also mention about Makarika -a fish or crocodile shaped piece of jewelry worn at the front parting of the hair.
