The choice of colors to wear each day holds significance in Hinduism. Different colors are associated with different deities and principles. Wearing the appropriate colors on certain days is believed to attract auspicious energies and blessings from the gods. The practice of wearing color-coded clothes based on days of the week is known as vastra dharna. Let’s take a look at the recommended colors to wear each day according to Hindu religious beliefs.
Sunday
The recommended color to wear on Sundays is red. This vibrant and energetic shade represents strength, vitality, and courage. It is associated with the Hindu sun god Surya. Wearing red on Sundays is believed to garner blessings of good health, vitality and success from Surya. Red also symbolizes the planet Sun which rules this day. Those facing adverse planetary positions of Sun in their astrological birth chart should wear red to receive favorable results.
Monday
White is the preferred color for Mondays. It signifies purity, peace and calm. White represents Chandra, the moon god. Adorning white clothes on Mondays is said to attract wisdom, tranquility and spiritual insight from Chandra. As the moon rules Mondays in Hindu astrology, wearing its associated color white is considered auspicious. Those having afflicted Moon in their birth chart should wear white on Mondays.
Tuesday
The color for Tuesdays is red. Just like Sundays, Tuesdays are ruled by the vigorous color red. It aligns with the fierce planet Mars which governs this day. Wearing red on Tuesdays is thought to be favorable as it invokes the blessings of Mars for strength, courage, ambition and leadership. Those under challenging Mars Dasa or planetary period should wear red on Tuesdays.
Wednesday
Green is the ideal color for Wednesdays. This vibrant shade represents new growth, fertility, wealth and prosperity. It aligns with Lord Vishnu and Goddess Mahalakshmi. Wearing green on Wednesdays is considered auspicious as it represents the planet Mercury who governs this day. Donning green calls upon the blessings of Vishnu and Lakshmi for wisdom, education, prudent communication and commercial success.
Thursday
The auspicious color for Thursdays is yellow. It represents intellectual wisdom and is associated with Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe in Hinduism. Yellow also aligns with the planet Jupiter who rules over Thursdays. Wearing yellow seeks blessings from Vishnu and Jupiter for good health, fortune, higher knowledge and spiritual illumination. Those with adverse Jupiter should wear yellow to appease this planet.
Friday
The suggested color for Fridays is white. In addition to representing purity and light, white is the color of Goddess Lakshmi and Fridays are dedicated to her. Wearing white on Fridays is believed to elicit blessings of wealth, prosperity, beauty and domestic wellbeing from Mahalakshmi. As Friday is governed by the planet Venus, white aligns with its characteristics. It balances emotions and attracts positive connections.
Saturday
The color that resonates with Saturdays is blue. It represents infinity, depth and stability. Blue is associated with Lord Shiva and planet Saturn, who rules Saturdays. Wearing blue is considered favorable as it invokes the blessings of Shiva to remove obstacles and guides one in the right direction. For those having a troublesome Saturn period, adorning blue on Saturdays pacifies the planet and mitigates its harmful effects.
Significance of Vastra Dharana
In the ancient Vedic tradition, colors were used holistically to create balance between the body and mind. Specific colors stimulate particular energies and qualities within us. Vastra dharana, the practice of wearing color-coded clothes helps align oneself with the forces governing a particular day. Colors have a psychological impact and influence our moods and emotions. Adhering to vastra dharana is believed to amplify the benefic effects of the day’s ruling deity and planet while pacifying any negative energies.
Astrological Benefits
From the astrological viewpoint, vastra dharana strengthens the presence of the ruling planet of the day in the horoscope. Each planet governs specific areas of life and associating with its colors brings blessings related to those. For example, wearing red on Tuesdays ruled by Mars enhances courage, competitive spirit and motivation. Blue on Saturdays ruled by Saturn gives stability, focus and direction. Moreover, those facing major planetary Dasa periods must adhere to vastra dharana to derive optimal results.
Auspicious Colors for Special Occasions
Certain colors are deemed auspicious for important Hindu occasions and rituals. Some recommended colors are:
| Occasion | Auspicious Colors |
|---|---|
| Weddings | Red, Pink |
| Upanayanam Ceremony | White, Saffron |
| Grahapravesham Housewarming | White, Yellow |
| Birthdays | White, Blue |
| Poojas and Homas | Red, Yellow, White |
| Temple Visits | White, Light Colors |
| Festivals | Red, Yellow, Green |
Exceptions and Regional Differences
There are some exceptions to the vastra dharana guidelines:
– Widows are expected to only wear white in Hindu culture regardless of days.
– Orange and saffron are sacred colors that may be worn daily.
– In South India, the bride wears yellow or orange on her wedding day.
– Children may wear brighter colors than adults regardless of days.
– Men may prefer lighter shades while women wear darker shades of recommended colors.
– Brahmin men often adhere to white as their daily color.
The colors for vastra dharna may also differ slightly based on regional traditions. Consulting an astrologer can help determine the most suitable colors for one’s persona.
Conclusion
To summarize, vastra dharana involves wearing color-coded clothes on specific days of the week. Each color represents a ruling planet and deity and has symbolic significance. Adhering to the prescribed color for the day attracts blessings, enhances planetary energies and creates balance. However, exceptions based on community traditions, gender, age, and personal astrology may apply. Consulting a priest or astrologer will help determine the most fitting color choices for spiritual and astrological upliftment through this traditional Hindu practice.