ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Mauli or Kalava threads are profound symbols of identity in Hinduism.
Etymologically, Mauli is a Sanskrit word, which means crown or above all.
In Hindu tradition.
Lord Shiva is known as ChandraMauli because He has a crescent moon on His matted head.
In India, Mauli threads have different names in diverse cultures.
They are known as Kalava, Rakshasutra, Mouri, Kautuka, and Charadu.
They are sanctified and made from cotton yarns.
Maulis are mostly a combination of red and yellow threads. Red is a representation of long life and protection against evil forces.
It also has the property to stimulate the spiritual energy conveyed by the yellow thread.
How to tie Mauli threads?:
Usually, an elder member of a family or the priest ties the Mauli before or after a religious ceremony.
It is essential to spin the thread seven times before tying it on the wrist.
A devotee would offer Mauli to a deity to enhance its positive energy and to ward off any evil forces.
A priest or an elderly would tie the Mauli with three knots on the devotee’s wrist with the palm facing up.
Mantra for tying Mauli:
“Om yina baddho balee rajaa, daana vendro mahaa balah tenatvaa mahibadhn aami raksha maachala maachala.”
The holy person would tie the knots by chanting the mantra to invoke our Sattvik state and also to enhance positivity.
Its recitation provides the devotee with protection, health, and prosperity.
The day of tying a Mauli is also an essential factor.
You can do it on a Saturday, Tuesday, and also on festive occasions.
Another important factor related to Mauli is, men and young girls tie them on their right wrist and married women on their left wrist.
Why do men wear Mauli on their right wrist and women on their left wrist?
In Hinduism, Ardhanarishwhara is a composite image of Lord Shiva and Parvathi.
Lord Shiva is on the right side, and Parvathi Devi is on the left side of Ardhanarishwara.
Here, Shiva and Parvathi are the representations of Purusha and Prakriti (the universal protective shields).
Men wear Mauli threads on their right wrist, and women on their left, to invoke the protective powers of Purusha and Prakriti.
Similarly, in Hindu temples, the idols of God are on the right side and that of Goddesses on the left side.
The significance of wearing Mauli threads:
Mauli is an auspicious symbol that can purify and sanctify a person.
There are several religious and scientific significances of wearing a Mauli thread.
Akin to other religious rituals in Hinduism, Mauli is an essential factor in conveying our faith and belief in the religion.
Here we will be discussing the different significances associated with the wearing of a Mauli thread and their connection with the ancient scriptures and texts.
Religious Significance:
Mauli threads have a lot of religious significances.
They are known to ward off negative energy, dangers, and diseases.
They aid us in receiving blessings from the deity and enhance our lives with positivity.
Mauli threads are also known as Rakhi.
Sisters tie them on the wrists of their brothers as a knot of love and protection.
It is commonly known as Raksha Bandhan.
Let us look into other religious and mythological references for tying a Mauli.
❃ Lord Vishnu in his Avatara as Vamana tied Mauli on the right wrist of King Bali before Vamana sent him to the nether world.
He tied Mauli to grant King Bali immortality.
Devotees tie Mauli threads based on the tradition to gain long life and health.
❃ In Mahabharata, Kunti Devi tied Mauli on the right wrist of Abhimanyu to protect him.
He was undefeated until he had Mauli on his wrist.
It was only when a rat, sent by Lord Krishna, cut off the thread that Abhimanyu fell in the war.
❃ In Atharvaveda Samhita (section 2.11), Mauli is a ritual thread of great significance.
❃ Mauli threads are known to invoke Trideva and Tridevi.
The Tridevas are Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara.
The Tridevas are Lakshmi, Saraswathi, and Durga Devi.
Brahma Deva offers us fame.
Lord Vishu will provide us with the blessings to evade evil powers.
Lord Shiva or Maheshwara gives us the ability to remove negativity.
Saraswathi Devi presents us with knowledge and wisdom.
Lakshmi Devi grants us prosperity and wealth.
Durga Devi is known to give us the power to overcome the hurdles of life.
So by tying a Mauli thread on our wrist, we can invoke the blessings of the deities in our lives as well.
• When we tie Mauli on Anant Chaturdashi, it is auspicious and is known to bring happiness, prosperity, and health.
Scientific Significance: Mauli threads have scientific benefits as well.
Tying them on the wrist can have many health-based benefits in our lives.
In Ayurveda, there are three doshas or faults in our body known as the Tridoshas.
They include Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha.
Vatta provides impulses in mobilizing our nervous system.
Pitta is useful in digestion, which aids in supplying blood to different parts of our body.
Kapha carries nutrients to the arterial system.
The instability of these doshas can harm our bodies.
Our body has around seventy-two thousand nerves, and almost all the essential nerves pass through our wrist.
So, we can cure the imbalances in Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha by focusing on the veins in our wrist.
The application of some weight on our wrist can aid in activating the nervous system.
When we tie a Mauli thread to our wrist, it provides balance to our doshas and also enhances blood circulation in our bodies.
They can also reduce the chances of confronting diseases like diabetes, paralysis, and heart diseases.
The tying of Mauli threads, thus, can improve positivity, health, prosperity, happiness, and our overall wellbeing.
They have an important place in Hindu traditions and rituals.
They can invoke the blessings of the deity and enhance our lives with sanctity and purity.
Mauli Thread: Significance Of Tying It On Your Hand
Mauli or Kalava threads are profound symbols of Hinduism and hold a great significance in Hindu mythology.
In Sanskrit, Mauli means crown or above all.
Lord Shiva is also known as Chandramauli as he wears a crescent moon on the top of his head.
In India, Mauli holds great significance and has different names all over the country like Kalava, Rakshastra, Charadu and many more.
These threads are a representation of long life and protection against evil.
Read on to know all about Mauli along with its religious and scientific significance.
How To Tie A Mauli
A Mauli is tied during or after a religious ceremony by a priest or an elder in the family.
The proper way of tying it on your wrist is by spinning it seven times then three knots are tied on the devotee’s hand while the palm is facing upwards.
Also, a Mauli is offered to a deity for some positive vibes and to be protected from the evil eye.
Along with the way of tying Mauli, the day is also essential.
You should tie a Mauli on a Tuesday or a Saturday or any other religious event.
Significance
Aforementioned, Mauli holds a high level of importance in the Hindu religion.
It is an essential factor in allowing them to convey their faith and beliefs.
However, Mauli not only has a religious significance but also has a scientific logic behind it.
Religious Significance
Mauli threads are known to keep us protected from several dangers including any kind of negative energy and diseases.
They help us to receive blessings from our deity and add positive energy to our lives.
Rakhi tied on a brother’s hands by her sister on the festival of Rakshabandhan is also a type of Mauli.
WHY WE TIE MAULI OR KALAVA THREAD IN HAND? – SIGNIFICANCE
What does Mauli or Kalava mean?
Let us first understand, what does Mauli or Kalava mean? The literal meaning of Mauli in Sanskrit is ‘crown’, which means above all. Well, Mauli is a sanctified thread which is also known as ‘Kalava’. This thread is dyed in red and yellow combination.
A Mauli is tied during or after a religious ceremony by a priest or an elder in the family. The proper way of tying it on your wrist is by spinning it seven times then three knots are tied on the devotee’s hand while the palm is facing upwards.
Also, a Mauli is offered to a deity for some positive vibes and to be protected from the evil eye. Along with the way of tying Mauli, the day is also essential. You should tie a Mauli on a Tuesday or a Saturday or any other religious event.
In India, Mauli holds great significance and has different names all over the country like Kalava, Rakshastra, Charadu and many more. These threads are a representation of long life and protection against evil. Read on to know all about Mauli along with its religious and scientific significance.
Mauli holds tremendous significance in Hindu culture since ancient times. As mentioned above the literal meaning of Mauli is the crown, a crown is always placed above. Lord Shiva is referred as ‘Chandramauli’ as he adornes the crescent moon on his matted hair.
According to the ancient Hindu scriptures, it is said that Lord Vishnu’s incarnation Vamana tied the ‘Raksha (protection) Dhaga (Thread)’ on the wrist of King Bali to grant him with the boon of immortality. Since then, the ritual of tying Mauli has been practiced by the Hindu sect.
Every Hindu ritual has a story and significance to back it. The sanctified thread is tied by the Guru/ panditji (holy men) or by the elderly members, especially grandparents of the family on the wrist of each person who is present in the holy ceremony.
While tying the Mauli, a mantra is chanted, it is believed that, reciting the sacred mantras is done to infuse the thread with positivity and invoke the Sattvik (pure) state in humans.
The ‘Ardhanarishvara’ form of Shiva and Parvati has been depicted as right half Shiva and the left half is Parvati Devi. Hence, men are tied Mauli on right wrist while female are tied Mauli on the left wrist. A lot of attributes are associated with Mauli, it is known as the protection shield which keeps the evil/ negative energies and worldly problems at bay. Mauli is also tied to receive blessings from the deity who is worshipped during the puja (prayer) ceremony or havan (Holy fire).
Mauli Thread: Significance Of Tying It On Your Hand
Scientific significance of tying a Mauli: Almost all the important veins pass on to the other parts of the body from wrist only. In Ayurveda, there is a theory called as the ‘Tridosha Theory’. According to this theory, our body constitutes of three Dosha (Fault) namely Vaat (Wind), Pitt (Bile) and Kaptha (Phlegm).
The red thread known as Mauli or Kalava is a sacred thread tied on the wrist before the start of any Hindu sacred ceremony. … So if we tie Mouli on the wrist, it helps in controlling the blood circulation of the body. Wearing Kalava in hand to ward off negative energy or evil spirits.
Aforementioned, Mauli holds a high level of importance in the Hindu religion. It is an essential factor in allowing them to convey their faith and beliefs. However, Mauli not only has a religious significance but also has a scientific logic behind it. Read ahead to know more.
If a small amount of weight is placed on the wrist it activates the nerve centers in that area. Thus, when Mauli is tied around the wrist it activates the nerves center and helps in improving the blood circulation which balances the Tridoshas.
It also helps in keeping the negative energies away from our aura and acts like a protecting shield.
Which hand do you tie mauli?
A Mauli is tied during or after a religious ceremony by a priest or an elder in the family. The proper way of tying it on your wrist is by spinning it seven times then three knots are tied on the devotee’s hand while the palm is facing upwards. The thread of Mauli tied on right arm
Also, a Mauli is offered to a deity for some positive vibes and to be protected from the evil eye. Along with the way of tying Mauli, the day is also essential. You should tie a Mauli on a Tuesday or a Saturday or any other religious event.
Religious Significance of tying Mauli thread
Mauli threads are known to keep us protected from several dangers including any kind of negative energy and diseases. They help us to receive blessings from our deity and add positive energy to our lives.
Mauli threads are known to keep us protected from several dangers including any kind of negative energy and diseases. They help us to receive blessings from our deity and add positive energy to our lives. Rakhi tied on a brother’s hands by her sister on the festival of Rakshabandhan is also a type of Mauli.
Mauli has several mentions and references in the mythology. Read ahead to know all about these references.
In Mahabharata, Mauli thread was tied on Abhimanyu’s wrist by Kunti Devi to protect him. Until he had Mauli on his hand, he was undefeated but as soon as a rat sent by Lord Krishna cut off the thread, Abhimanyu fell off in the war.
It is said that Mauli threads invoke Trideva and Tridevi. The tridevas are Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. While the Tridevis are Lakshmi, Saraswati and Maheshwara. Therefore, tying a mauli on our hand invokes the blessings of all these deities.
Tying Mauli on Anant Chaturdashi is known to be auspicious as it brings happiness, prosperity and health.
In Atharva Samhita also Mauli has great significance.
Scientific Significance of wearing Mauli thread
Mauli threads are known to keep us protected from several dangers including any kind of negative energy and diseases. They help us to receive blessings from our deity and add positive energy to our lives.
Apart from the religious significance, Mauli threads also have a scientific significance. In Ayurveda, there are three faults in our body, Vatta, Pitta and Kapha which are also known as the Tridoshas. The instability of these doshas can lead to harmful results.
Putting some weight on our wrists with a Mauli ensures that there are no imbalances in these doshas. Thus, it protects us from several harmful diseases like diabetes, heart disease and many more along with this enhances blood circulation.
While tying the Mauli, a mantra is chanted, which is as follows:
“Om yena baddho balee raajaa daana
vendro mahaa balah tenatvaa mabhibadhnaami,
rakshe maachala maachala”.
The meaning of this mantra is “I am tying this thread on your hand this is a symbol of Raksha (protection), with which the most powerful and generous King Bali himself was bound; O Raksha, don’t go away; don’t go away.”
It is believed that, reciting the sacred mantras is done to infuse the thread with positivity and invoke the Sattvik (pure) state in humans.
It protects the wearer from all negativities and evil influences; it also wards off dangers, diseases and enemies.
The ‘Ardhanarishvara’ form of Shiva and Parvati has been depicted as half and half woman.
The iconographic attributes depict the right half as Shiva and the left half is Parvati Devi.
This generates the Universal Protective Shield in form of energy known as Purusha and Prakriti.
The classic example of this would be:
The idol of of God in any temple is placed on the right whereas; the idol of the Goddess is placed on the left.
Hence, men are tied Mauli on right wrist while female are tied Mauli on the left wrist.
It is believed that by tying the Mauli, blessing from Tridev- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and Tridevi- Lakshmi, Saraswati and Durga; are bestowed upon the devotee.
We get fame from the blessing of Brahma, from the blessings of Lord Vishnu we get power to defend the evil and from the blessings of Supreme Shiva we get the power to end all are negative qualities.
On the other hand, we receive knowledge from the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, from the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi we get prosperity and from blessings of Goddess Durga we get power.
A lot of attributes are associated with Mauli, it is known as the protection shield which keeps the evil/ negative energies and worldly problems at bay.
Mauli is also tied to receive blessings from the deity who is worshipped during the puja (prayer) ceremony or havan (Holy fire).
In the scripture of Mahabharata too a very important significance of Mauli is presented.
During a war, Kunti tied red thread (Mauli) on right hand wrist of Abhimanyu as a shield of protection.
None of the warriors could defeat Abhimanyu.
It was only when a mouse nibbled off the thread that his protection went away and he was killed.
Now that we know its religious significance, let us understand the scientific significance of tying a Mauli. We all know that our body constitutes of 72,000 nerves.
Almost all the important veins pass on to the other parts of the body from wrist only.
In Ayurveda, there is a theory called as the ‘Tridosha Theory’. According to this theory, our body constitutes of three Dosha (Fault) namely Vaat (Wind), Pitt (Bile) and Kaptha (Phlegm) s.
These three bio-elements are very unstable.
If a small amount of weight is placed on the wrist it activates the nerve centers in that area.
Thus, when Mauli is tied around the wrist it activates the nerves center and helps in improving the blood circulation which balances the Tridoshas.
It also helps in keeping the negative energies away from our aura and acts like a protecting shield.
The secret behind tying ‘Mauli Thread’
Let us first understand, what does Mauli mean?
The literal meaning of Mauli in Sanskrit is ‘crown’, which means above all.
Well, Mauli is a sanctified thread which is also known as ‘Kalava’.
It is a cotton thread which is spun in a yarn.
This thread is dyed in red and yellow combination.
Now that we know what a “Mauli” is let us take a look at its religious significance:
Mauli holds tremendous significance in Hindu culture since ancient times.
As mentioned above the literal meaning of Mauli is the crown, a crown is always placed above Hence, Lord Shiva is referred as ‘Chandramauli’ as he adornes the crescent moon on his matted hair.
According to the ancient Hindu scriptures, it is said that Lord Vishnu’s incarnation Vamana tied the ‘Raksha (protection) Dhaga (Thread)’ on the wrist of King Bali to grant him with the boon of immortality. Since then, the ritual of tying Mauli has been practiced by the Hindu sect.
Every Hindu ritual has a story and significance to back it. There is a specific way of tying Mauli.
This holy thread is tied by spinning it seven times before or after the holy puja (prayer) ceremony has been accomplished.
The sanctified thread is tied by the Guru/ panditji (holy men) or by the elderly members, especially grandparents of the family on the wrist of each person who is present in the holy ceremony. While tying the Mauli, a mantra is chanted, which is as follows:
“Om yena baddho balee raajaa daana
vendro mahaa balah tenatvaa mabhibadhnaami,
rakshe maachala maachala”.
The meaning of this mantra is “I am tying this thread on your hand this is a symbol of Raksha (protection), with which the most powerful and generous King Bali himself was bound; O Raksha, don’t go away; don’t go away.”
It is believed that, reciting the sacred mantras is done to infuse the thread with positivity and invoke the Sattvik (pure) state in humans.
It protects the wearer from all negativities and evil influences; it also wards off dangers, diseases and enemies.
The ‘Ardhanarishvara’ form of Shiva and Parvati has been depicted as half and half woman.
The iconographic attributes depict the right half as Shiva and the left half is Parvati Devi.
This generates the Universal Protective Shield in form of energy known as Purusha and Prakriti.
The classic example of this would be:
The idol of of God in any temple is placed on the right whereas; the idol of the Goddess is placed on the left.
Hence, men are tied Mauli on right wrist while female are tied Mauli on the left wrist.
It is believed that by tying the Mauli, blessing from Tridev– Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and Tridevi- Lakshmi, Saraswati and Durga; are bestowed upon the devotee.
We get fame from the blessing of Brahma, from the blessings of Lord Vishnu we get power to defend the evil and from the blessings of Supreme Shiva we get the power to end all are negative qualities.
On the other hand, we receive knowledge from the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, from the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi we get prosperity and from blessings of Goddess Durga we get power.
A lot of attributes are associated with Mauli, it is known as the protection shield which keeps the evil/ negative energies and worldly problems at bay.
Mauli is also tied to receive blessings from the deity who is worshipped during the puja (prayer) ceremony or havan (Holy fire).
In the scripture of Mahabharata too a very important significance of Mauli is presented.
During a war, Kunti tied red thread (Mauli) on right hand wrist of Abhimanyu as a shield of protection.
None of the warriors could defeat Abhimanyu.
It was only when a mouse nibbled off the thread that his protection went away and he was killed.
Now that we know its religious significance, let us understand the scientific significance of tying a Mauli. We all know that our body constitutes of 72,000 nerves.
Almost all the important veins pass on to the other parts of the body from wrist only.
In Ayurveda, there is a theory called as the ‘Tridosha Theory’.
According to this theory, our body constitutes of three Dosha (Fault) namely Vaat (Wind), Pitt (Bile) and Kaptha (Phlegm) s.
These three bio-elements are very unstable.
If a small amount of weight is placed on the wrist it activates the nerve centers in that area.
Thus, when Mauli is tied around the wrist it activates the nerves center and helps in improving the blood circulation which balances the Tridoshas.
It also helps in keeping the negative energies away from our aura and acts like a protecting shield.
What is the Significance of Mauli/Kalava
A red thread known as Mauli or Kalava or Charadu is tied on wrist by Hindus before the beginning of a religious ceremony.
The thread is tied on the right hand by males and on the left hand by females.
The thread is tied to invoke the blessings of the Hindu deities especially of the particular deity to whom the puja is dedicated.
There is also a popular belief that the sanctified red thread with blessing of the deity protects a person from diseases, enemies and other dangers.
By tying ‘Mauli/Kalava’ it is said that blessings of Trideva – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and Tridevis – Saraswati, Lakshmi and Durga are received.
From the blessings of Brahma we get fame, from the blessings of Vishnu we get defending power from evil and by the blessings of Shiva we get the power to destroy our own bad and negative qualities.
By the blessings of Saraswati we get knowledge, by the blessings of Lakshmi we get wealth and from Durga we get power.
In ancient times it is said that God Vaman tied ‘Raksha Sootra’ (defending thread) in the form of ‘Mauli’, for the immortality of great chertiest demon king Bali.
Since then custom of tying ‘Mauli’ is continued.
It is also said in ‘Shastras’ that :
Yen baddho bali raja danvedro mahabalah|
Ten tvamanubadhnaami rakshe maachala maachala||
The literal meaning of mauli is ‘above all’.
Here the reference is to the head that stands high. With the moon perched on top of Shiva’s head he is referred to as Chandramauli.
The thread can also be called a raksha or rakhi, and is put on the brother by the sister to show the sister’s familial love.
The knots in the thread are said to hold the love of the sister when she tied the knot.
Thus, the brother wears the rakhi as a sign of his sister’s love and wishes for protection.
In other arrangements, the knots tied in the rakhi as the red strings are given to guests or tied around their wrists before a special ceremony or reception is also considered to hold the goodwill of those who offer it.
Importance Of a “THREAD” in Hinduism
We have often seen Hindu people wearing a Kalawa/Mauli (red/saffron/orange/yellow thread),
black thread, Janeu/Yagyopaveeta (white thread) around their wrist, chest, and ankle.
Have you ever thought about why?
What is the significance of just a thread? Well, we have answers to all the related queries, let’s explore:
There are sixteen Samskaras in Hinduism, Samskara means making perfect, a sacred or sanctifying ceremony.
These sixteen samskaaras are, Garbadaana (Conception),
Punsavana (Fetus Protection) ,
Simanta (Protection of the pregnant mother),
Jataka Karma (Shasthi) (Natal right for development of child’s intellect), Naamakarana (Naming the child),
Nishkrama (Taking the child outdoors),
Annaprashana (Giving the child solid food),
Choula or Mundan (Haircutting),
Karnavedha (Ear piercing),
Vidyaarambha (introduction to the world of knowledge, music, dance and some forms of folk arts),
Upanayana (the act of leading towards something),
Vedaaramba (Study of Vedas and scriptures) ,
Keshaant (linked to understand the power of meaningful words),
Samaavartan (Completing education),
Vivaha (Marriage) and Antyesti (Last rites or funeral rites).
The first three are prenatal ceremonies, the next six are childhood samskaras, and the next five are concerned about education.
Vivaha is marriage and Antyesti is a funeral ceremony.
Yagyopaveeta/Janeu (The Yellow Thread)
As a matter of fact, most of the Brahmins wear this on their chest. Also, people follow the tradition of putting it during Upanayana Samkara.
Upanayana means leading the disciple to Guru.
Ayagyopaveet has three vritas (threads).
Every thread has three cords twining itand one knot.
The word “yagvopaveet” is an amalgamation of “Yagya” plus “up” plus “paveet”.
Not the best but the best of the best action is “Yagya”, ‘Up’ means ‘near’, ‘veet’ means obtained, spread, desired, cherished.
Thus, people wear Yagyopaveet with a desire to do their best.
This is the initiation to acquire spiritual knowledge.
On this occasion, mentors teach Savitri/Gayatri Mantra to the beginner.
This Mantra is one of the most sacred Mantra.
This is a mantra seeking enlightenment/ the knowledge of Absolute Reality/Para Brahman and is instrumental in acquiring the highest wanting of life i.e. liberation.
The chanting of Gayatri Mantra takes place by holding this Yagyopaveeta. Below is the Gayatri Mantra with meaning:
Meaning
The Almighty Supreme God, the creator of entire cosmos, the essence of our life existence, who removes all our pains and sufferings and grants happiness.
Implore his divine grace to imbibe within us.
His divinity and brilliance which may purify us and guide our righteous wisdom on the right path.
Yajnopavita is a sacred thread.
It has three strands with a knot resembling a sitting cow. The three strands represent three Vedas and the knot represents Atharva Veda.
Also, it represents the first three stages of life i.e. Brahmacharya, Gruhasta and Vanaprastha along with three fires called Garhapatya, Dakshinaagni, and Ahavaniya.
People wear it starting from the left shoulder, passing over the heart and goes backward on the right ending in a knot.
The left shoulder is the base for carrying a load of life with tolerance.
The heart is the point of determination and faith.
Back is a symbol of commitment; thus Yagyopaveet represents the sadhana (accomplishment) of the purest of pure with determination, courage, faith, commitment and a spirit of toleration.
In-depth Details
After initiation, the beginner holds the expectation of people to do Sandhya Vandana and Agnikaarya all throughout his life. Sandhya Vandana means worshiping to the Sun God during dawn noon, and dusk.
Traditionally, people perform by Dvija communities of Hindus.
And it means “salutation to twilight or the solar noon”.
Also, it includes offering to Fire God, praying for the longevity of life, brilliance, intellectual capabilities, general competence, name, fame, etc.
Sandhyadana involves various steps such as Achamana, Pranayama, Marjana, Arghyapradana, Gayatrijapa, Suryopasthaana.
Where Achamana is sipping water three times a day plus purifying parts of the body, Pranayama is divided into “Prana” means breathing and “Yama” means regulating exercise controls.
The Pranamaya includes five systems – Prana (respiratory system), Apana (excretory system), vyana(circulatory system), Samana (digestive) and Udana (reversing system).
Ideally, Yagyopaveeta is one of the most important ceremonies in a man’s life.
It is getting baptized in Hinduism! Janeu is a not an ordinary thread, its sanctity is regarded to get disturbed if it is not worn properly.
KALAWA/MAULI (The Red/Yellow/Orange/Saffron Thread)
According to Hindu mythology, in the Vamana Avatar, Lord Vishnu pushed King Bali into the underworld.
It is believed that he tied a red thread (kalawa/moli) on the wrists of Bali, to grant him immortality.
That began the practice of tying a red thread on the wrist of people, to grant them long lives.
When Kalawa is tied on your wrist, it should always be done with your palm facing up, there are always three knots tied.
Inside your wrist, more towards the side of your palm are three veins, or Naadis (popularly known).
Split Meanings
Each of these Naadis is associated with the three-body Doshasor constituents:
Vata, Pitt, and Kapha, where Vata or Vayu, the impulse principle necessary to mobilize the function of the nervous system.
Pitt or bile, which is useful indigestion, the supply of blood and energy to various parts of the body.
Kapha or phlegm, the carrier of nutrients into the arterial system.
So, tying three knots, the kalawa creates enough pressure on these Naadis, each to keep your body free of any disease related to these three constituents.
Moli or Kalawa is an identity of Hinduism.
It’s a red, yellow, orange colored thread, which is usually tied in the hands of man and woman both.
Tying kalawa is an important tradition which signifies that someone is doing an Anushthan (Poojaor Any Mangalik (good) Karya (work)).
The literal meaning of Mauli in Sanskrit is ‘crown’, which means above all.
Hence, Lord Shiva is referred to as ‘Chandramauli’ as he adorns the crescent moon on his matted hair.
It is a cotton string, mostly in red color with small bits of yellow, holding some miraculous power to save you from evil energy.
This holy thread is tied by spinning it seven times before or after the holy pooja (prayer) ceremony has been completed.
The sanctified thread is tied by the Guru or by the elderly members, especially grandparents of the family on the wrist of each person who is present in the holy ceremony while tying the Guru recites Sanskrit mantras(mantra for success) and is worn to ward off negative energy away from the person who wears this red thread. The mantra with meaning is:
येन बद्धो बलीराजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबल:।
तेन त्वामनुबध्नामि रक्षे माचल माचल।।
Meaning
“That which bounded King Bali, who was great in donations and was very strong. With that I am tying you, Be Still (unshakable)”
It is believed that reciting the sacred mantras is done to infuse the thread with positivism and invoke the Sattvik (pure) state in humans. Also, it protects the user from all negativism and bad influences; it also wards off dangers, diseases, and enemies.
Further, it is believed that by tying the Mauli, blessings from Tridev -Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, and Tridevi- Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga; are awarded to the devotee. From Brahma, we get fame, from the blessings of Lord Vishnu we get power to defend the evil and from the blessings of Supreme Shiva we get the power to end all are negative qualities.
Mythological Depth
On the other hand, we From Goddess Saraswati we receive knowledge, from the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi we get prosperity and from blessings of Goddess Durga we get power.
In Mahabharata, during a war, Kunti tied red thread (Mauli) on the right-hand wrist of Abhimanyu as a shield of protection. None of the warriors could defeat Abhimanyu. However, it occurs only when a mouse nibbles off the thread that his protection goes away and he dies.
There’s also a science behind tying Mauli on the wrist. According to Human Anatomy, our wrist has a web of veins. Almost all the prime veins pass from here only.
Tying Mauli thread improves the blood circulation, which balances the Tridosas i.e., Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. As a result, there gets no disturbance in the body system.
One who wears Mauli stays prevented from deadly diseases like paralysis, diabetes, heart disease, etc.
According to the Acupressure, when you wear Mauli on the wrist there is no softness in the blood which keeps your immunity strong and fit.
Black Thread
According to Indian mythology, black thread is an absorber of all the evil things.
People often put it on the waist.
Also, it helps to keep weight and waist size under control by improving digestion.
When we wear a thread on the waist and if that thread becomes loose that means we have lost weight and if it becomes tight that means we must have gained weight.
Black thread on waist helps in proper elimination.
It improves intestinal strength thereby improving digestion and makes bowel movement proper and easier.
It also improves kidney and bladder functions.
Adding on, it improves spinal health by providing support to the area of the lumbar spine.
Black thread on waist keeps problems like lower back pain, spinal problems; slip disc, etc under check by retaining the spinal fluid.
“His Trishul symbolizes control of mind, intellect and ego, allowing you to work better and never loose control”
Kalawa: Spiritual benefits of the sacred thread
It is said that Kunti tied a sacred thread around the wrist of her grandson Abhimanyu bestowing her protection around him.
During the war of Kurukshetra, he was among the very few warriors who knew how to break the invincible battle formation called ChakraVyuha.
Until he had that sacred thread around his wrist during the battle, he was genuinely invincible against the legendary warriors.
However, as soon as that sacred threat was cut during the battle, he lost his life.
This sacred thread holds great significance in India.
It is known by many names like Kalawa, Mauli, Charade, Rakshasa, Kaapu, Kayiru, Charandu, Kautuka, etc.
These threads represent protection against evil and long life as a profound symbol of Sanatan Dharma.
It may look like a fashion symbol, but Mauli has great religious and scientific significance.
What is Kalawa?
Specialist artisans in India make these threads, cords, or ribbons.
Cotton hanks are hand dyed in colours of saffron, yellow and red.
Then, they are tied together and dyed again.
After drying, these threads are twisted together, making a Kalawa thread.
It is a sacred thread worn on the wrists of the devotees.
Kalawa is also used for tying on newly purchased objects like motorcycles, cars, house gates, etc.,
for bestowing the gods’ protection and repelling the troubles coming towards them.
When did it all start?
This is one of the oldest stories mentioned in the ancient scriptures of Humanity. Rigveda describes this incident in detail.
Aeons ago, an Asura named Vritrasura did a hard penance and became mighty powerful.
He built a hundred forts, gathered the demon army, and started tormenting the people of earth.
With his mighty power, he even blocked all the rivers, making them run dry, causing famine on earth. Gods decided to go battle with him.
Before marching into the battle, Sachi, consort of Lord Indra, tied the orange-red colored thread around her husband’s wrists and bestowed her sacred protection.
Despite falling several times from his elephant in the battle, Indra managed to escape sure death thanks to the sacred thread.
Finally, he killed the Asura with his thunderbolt and restored peace on earth.
Since that day, tying Kalawa has been considered auspicious and the best protection.
When King Bali was sent into the Patala, Lord Vishnu agreed to Guard his underworld kingdom as a Dwarpalak, or doorkeeper.
Divine mother Lakshmi had to spend many years without Lord Vishnu.
Changing her appearance, she appeared in the court of King Bali, calling him Her dear brother.
She tied a thread around her brother’s wrist; she prayed for Bali’s wellbeing and long life.
In return, King Bali freed lord Vishnu from His oath to guard his Kingdom.
Since then, tying a thread on the wrist has been considered equal to wearing a shield.
How Kalawa is tied
Kalawa or Mauli is tied during a religious ceremony.
After consulting astrologers, an auspicious day and time are decided.
Then, a Puja is conducted under the supervision of the priests.
With the chanting of the bellow mantra, elders of the house, spiritual Guru or Punditji, tie the sacred thread around the wrist, rotating seven times.
येना बद्धो बालीराजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबला। तेना त्वामभी बधनामी रक्षे ना चला ना चला ।।
Yena Baddho Baliraja Daanavendro Mahaabala।
Tena Twaamabhi Badh Naami Rakshe Naa Chala Naa Chala।।
It means I am tying this sacred thread around your wrist as a symbol of protection. Under this protection, the mightiest and most generous King Bali was bound and protected.
Oh Raksha, Do not go away, please do not go away.
By chanting this mantra, positivity and Sattvikta are invoked in the person wearing the Mauli.
When the mantra is chanted, these mantras get infused with these sacred threads shielding the wearer with powerful protection against evil.
Significance
When tied with the mantra chanting, Kalawa removes the negativity from the person wearing it.
It recharges the devotee with Sattvik vibrations.
Kalawa is known to ward off negativities and dark powers lurking around.
Tying Kalawa or Mauli shields the person from an evil eye.
During meditations, prayers, or other spiritual activity, this Kalawa acts as a receptor for divine energies.
This sacred thread is known to invoke the divine energies of Tridevis and Tridevas. Sridevi’s are Divine Mother Saraswati, the goddess of Knowledge; Divine Mother Lakshmi, the goddesses of health-wealth and Divine Mother Parvati, who aids us with strength and courage to overcome hurdles of life.
Tridevas are Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Mahesh.
Lord Brahma blesses us with creativity.
Lord Vishnu blesses us with positivity to defeat evil in our life.
Lord Mahesh or Lord Shiva allows us to ward off negativity from our life.
Tying the Kalawa on our wrist gives us blessings of all these Gods and goddesses.
Tying a thread around the wrist has health benefits as well.
Ayurveda describes three Doshas which are principally responsible for all the ailments in our bodies.
They are Vaata dosha, Pitta dosha, and Kapha Dosha. The string tied around the wrist aids in removing these doshas.
Our body is made with seventy-two thousand nerves.
Many essential nerves pass through our wrists.
Whenever an Ayurvedic expert examines the patient, he checks the wrist nerves first before running any test.
Typing Kalawa around the wrist activates the nervous system, enhancing blood circulation.
Tying the Mauli threads or Kalawa protects us from dangers and diseases.
It symbolises long life and protection against evil by increasing one’s receptivity for positive energies.
It is the ancient symbol of love, responsibility, strong willpower, and having faith in the Gods and our loved ones.
We hope you have gained some new insight into the importance of tying a Kalawa in Sanatana Dharma and Indian civilization.
Why do we Hindus tie red thread – Mauli or Kalava – at the beginning of a
Religious Ceremony?
Ared thread known as Mauli or Kalava or Charadu is tied on wrist by Hindus before the beginning of a religious ceremony.
The thread is tied on the right hand by males and on the left hand by females.
The thread is tied to invoke the blessings of the Hindu deities especially of the particular deity to whom the puja is dedicated.
Legend has it that Lord Vishnu during his incarnation of Vamana tied a red thread on the hands of King Bali to grant him immortality and to rule the netherworld.
There is also a popular belief that the sanctified red thread with blessing of the deity protects a person from diseases, enemies and other dangers.
Religious Threads
In Hindu religion, threads are used for different purposes and accordingly religious threads can be classified as follows :
Janeu/Janou Thread
Janeu or Janou is a sacred thread worn by all Hindu Brahmins to mark the transition of a young male’s life-from being a child to a young boy to becoming a man.
Brahmins mark this transition with the “Upanayanam Samskara” (the sacred thread ceremony) and is usually performed between the ages of seven and fourteen.
If, for some reason, it has not been done during this age period, then it needs to be completed before he gets married.
This ceremony is a very ancient one.
So long the boy doesnot wear the janeo or the sacred thread, he could not be reckoned among the “Dvija” (twice born).
The janeo thread is not only worn by the brahmins but also by Kshatriyas and by Vaishyas.
If a Brahmin wishes to become learned in the Vedas,
he should wear the janeo at the age of 5 years;
if a Kshatriya wishes to gain strength,
he should wear the thread at 6, and for a Vaishya,
if he wishes for success, he should wear the Janeu at the age of 8.
Janeu Thread Material
This sacred thread of the Brahmins is made of cotton, that of a Kshatriya of hempen threads and that of a Vaisya of woollen threads.
Form of the Janeu
The form of the Janeu is different for different caste groups or sects.
These forms are as follows :
- Brahmgandh : With 5 knots for the higher grades of Brahmins and 3 knots for the lower grades Brahmin
- Vishnugandh : The thread is with one knot for all other castes.
Meaning of the Three Strands of the Janeu
The janeu thread used by the Brahmins consists of three strands.
There are various interpretations of the three strands of the janeo.
These are as follows :
- The three strands symbolizes the Hindu trinity-Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.
- Some symbolizes with Mahasarasvati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali.
- Some interpret with past, present and the future.
- The three qualities-sattva, rajas and tamas.
- The three states-wakefulness, dream and deep sleep.
- The three dimensions-Heaven (swarga), Earth (mrityuloka) and nether regions (pataloka).
- The most important of all is-ida, pingala and susumna nadi, through which the kundalini energy manifests as prana and consciousness.
Different Methods of Wearing the Thread
There are different methods of wearing the Sacred Thread at different occasions.
For example :
- While performing an auspicious ceremony one should be Upaviti that is, the Sacred Thread should hang from his left shoulder.
- While performing an inauspicious ceremony one should be Prachnaviti, that is, the Sacred Thread should hang from the right shoulder.
- At times he is called Niviti when the Sacred Thread is worn round the neck like a garland.
- The thread should be lifted and the upper part should be put behind ears when a person goes for his daily ablutions or doing impure tasks.
- Both males and females can wear the thread. However, the woman should wear it on the neck. Otherwise, she may wrap it on a naariyal (brown coconut), and place it in worship place.
- After a birth or death in the family, it should be taken out and then a new thread should be worn 15 days after the event.
- Old, or broken thread should be replaced etc.
Anant Chaudas Thread
Bhadrapad Shukl Chaturdashi or Anant Chaturdashi, is an auspicious day.
This day is a day with twin significance.
It is the last day of the Ganesh festival, which begins with Ganesh Chaturthi. Chaturdashi is the tenth day after Ganesh Chaturthi and it is the day when the idols of Ganesha are immersed in water.
On this day, a sacred thread called the Anant Chaudas Thread is worn as armlet or round the neck by both males and females.
Some prefer to tie the thread at the main entrance door of their homes.
The significance of this thread is that Lord Ganesh should bless everyone with health, happiness and prosperity while leaving the house and take away all miseries and sorrows of people.
Anant means endless, infinite.
The thread awards infinite happiness, by blessings of Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha.
Sacred Red Thread/Mauli/Kalawa
Mouli or Kalawa is a cotton red thread roll, considered to be very sacred and used in all religious purposes of the Hindus.
The thread is used as an offering of cloth to the deity.
The Mouli thread is an integral part of any puja.
Normally the Mouli is tied around the Sadhana article, that is, Mouli is tied around a copper tumbler filled with water.
On its mouth is placed five mango leaves and a coconut in a red cloth is place it over the mouth of the tumbler.
This represents the shrine you are offering puja.
Next, before the start of the puja, the red sacred thread is tied around the wrist of the members of the family.
As a rule, all males and married females wear it on the right hand.
Unmarried females wear it on their left hands.
Only the Brahmin females, both married and unmarried can wear it in their right hands.
The basic significance of wearing this thread is to get blessings from God.