Colors play an important role in Indian culture and traditions. Certain colors are considered sacred and auspicious. These colors are deeply rooted in the country’s religious beliefs and mythology. Understanding the significance of sacred colors provides fascinating insights into Indian society.
India is a vibrant country known for its rich cultural heritage. With a civilization over 5,000 years old, rituals and customs are deeply ingrained in the Indian psyche. An intriguing aspect is the meaning associated with colors.
Different colors have symbolic meanings in the Hindu religion. They represent various gods and goddesses, virtues, emotions, and religious traditions. The color chosen for occasions like weddings, festivals, and other ceremonies is meaningful. Colors also signify styles and affiliations. Political parties use colors to brand themselves.
Let’s explore some of the most prominent sacred colors in India and the beliefs associated with them.
Significance of Sacred Colors in India
The ancient Vedic scriptures of Hinduism, known as the Vedas, laid the foundation for attaching meaning to colors. Later Hindu texts expanded on these concepts based on folk culture and religious practices. The philosophy of colors was also linked to Ayurveda, the traditional medicinal system in India.
Here are some of the main sacred colors in India and what they represent:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Love, fertility, passion, power, auspiciousness |
| Orange | Sacrifice, kindness, knowledge |
| Yellow | Wisdom, commerce |
| Green | Nature, prosperity, new beginnings |
| Blue | Healing, calm |
| Indigo | Intuition, third eye |
| Violet | Spirituality, imagination |
Let’s look at some of the prominent sacred colors more closely.
Red
Red holds a special place among sacred colors in India. It is considered the color of Shakti or divine energy. Red represents love, fertility, passion and power. In Hinduism, red is associated with the goddess Durga. She is the fierce, protective mother goddess, depicted with red clothes and ornaments.
Red is also the color of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Married women wear red clothes and bangles as symbols of being married. Many holy cities and temples are painted red. The red vermillion powder called ‘sindoor’ and bridal dresses are red.
In Buddhism, red represents compassion and is associated with Buddha Amitabha. It also stands for passion, action and non-inaction.
Orange
Orange signifies sacrifice, creativity and strength. In Hinduism, orange relates to the second or sacral chakra located below the navel. Called Svadhisthana, it represents relationships, emotions, pleasure, reproduction and vitality.
In India, Hindu and Buddhist monks wear saffron or orange robes. This represents their renunciation of worldly desires and leading an ascetic life. Saffron symbolizes sacrifice, removal of ego and attaining wisdom. The Fire God Agni is depicted with orange hues wearing saffron garb.
During Holi, the Hindu spring festival of colors, orange tinted powder and water are used. In Jainism, orange or saffron represents the third and final stage of spiritual enlightenment.
Yellow
Yellow stands for wisdom, learning and commerce. Associated with the solar plexus chakra called Manipura, yellow represents self-worth and optimism. In fact, yellow is the most auspicious color for Manipura chakra.
Goddess Saraswati, the patroness of music, knowledge and arts is shown wearing yellow clothes. Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered auspicious to wear yellow then. Turmeric which is yellow is an iconic spice believed to have antiseptic and medicinal value.
In Jainism, yellow represents detachment. Buddhist monks wear yellow robes to show renunciation. In Sikhism, the warrior community Khalsa wear yellow turbans after a baptismal ceremony. Yellow flower garlands are used to honor guests and decorate temples.
Green
Green stands for nature, prosperity, growth and new beginnings. In Hinduism and Buddhism, the color relates to Anahata or the heart chakra. It represents balance, calmness, and renewal.
Green is associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and also with Buddha. In Islam, it represents heaven, balance, nature, spring season and life.
Green is considered lucky in Indian culture. New businesses add a touch of green through decorations to usher prosperity. Green outfits are worn during spring festivities like Vasant Panchami and Navratri.
Blue
Blue symbolizes healing, tranquility and calmness. It is connected with Vishuddha or the throat chakra in Hinduism and Buddhism. The throat chakra signifies spiritual growth and communication.
Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are depicted with blue skin. Goddess Durga rides on a blue lion. Many Hindu gods have blue necks indicating their divine powers. The sacred river Ganges is believed to turn blue on auspicious occasions.
In Islam, blue represents wisdom and divine guidance. It is also seen as a protective color in many faiths.
Indigo
Indigo or dark blue relates to the sixth chakra Ajna located between the eyebrows. Known as the third eye chakra, Ajna represents intuition and higher consciousness.
Many Hindu deities are shown with a third eye. Lord Shiva’s wrath is depicted by his third eye. Indigo helps to cultivate inner wisdom.
Violet
Violet stands for the crown chakra or Sahasrara. It represents spiritual enlightenment, inner peace and mysticism. Meditating using the color violet can help achieve a higher state of consciousness. Saints and gurus are depicted wearing violet robes.
In Christianity, violet represents repentance and mourning. For Sikhs, violet signifies royalty and spirituality. The violet orchid is the national flower of Singapore.
White
Though not part of the original sacred colors derived from the Vedas and chakras, the color white holds spiritual significance in Indian culture.
It denotes purity, divinity, peace and knowledge. Hindu priests wear white dhoti, a loose cloth wrapped around the waist and legs. Brides wear white saris during wedding ceremonies. The flags in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples are white.
Krishna is called the one who wears the white garland, denoting virtue and grace. White connotes humility and simplicity in many eastern faiths.
Conclusion
Color psychology plays a vital role in Indian traditions. Each hue carries profound meaning andDeep symbolism. The sacred colors are interwoven in rituals, attire, customs, architecture and everyday objects.
Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet encompass an array of virtues, emotions, beliefs and spiritual concepts. White later entered the pantheon of sacred colors in India.
These colors also map human energy centers known as chakras in the body. Understanding the essence behind the colors provides an enlightening glimpse into the Indian psyche.
The next time you come across sacred hues in an Indian setting, remember the deep symbolism and culture they are infused with. It will help appreciate the richness of this ancient civilization.
