Significance Of Different Colors In Hinduism

Colors play an integral part of our lives. They play an immense role in how we perceive and interact with the world. Each colour emits specific signals that affect our mental, physical and psychological states. Colors affect moods, feelings and emotions dramatically, to a point where metabolism is increased, blood pressure raises and even causes strained eyes.

In Hinduism, colors have a deep significance, transcending purely on decorative values. Hindu artists use colors on the deities and their dresses signifying their qualities. Some of the main colors used in religious ceremonies are red, yellow (turmeric), green from leaves, white from wheat flour etc.

RED:

Red indicates both sensuality and purity. In Hindu religion, red is of utmost significance and the colors most frequently used for auspicious occasions like marriages, birth of a child, festivals, etc. A red mark is put on the forehead during ceremonies and important occasions. As a sign of marriage, women put red powder on the hair parting. They also wear a red sari during marriage. Red symbolises shakti.

SAFFRON:

The most sacred colour for the Hindu is saffron. It represents fire and as impurities are burnt by fire, this colour symbolizes purity. It also represents religious abstinence. This colors connotation has a sacred meaning for the Hindu. It is the colors of holy men and ascetics who have renounced the world.

GREEN:

Green is a festive colour. In Maharashtra, it represents life and happiness. Symbolizing peace and happiness, green stabilizes the mind; the colour is cool to the yes and represents Nature.

YELLOW:

Yellow is the colors of knowledge and learning. It symbolizes happiness, peace, meditation, competence and mental development. It is the colors of spring and activates the mind. Lord Vishnu's dressis yellow symbolizing his representation of knowledge. Lord Krishna and Ganesha also wear yellow dresses.

WHITE:

White is a mixture of seven different colors hence it symbolizes a little bit of the quality of each. It represents purity, cleanliness, peace and knowledge. The goddess of knowledge, Saraswati is always shown as wearing a white dress, sitting on a white lotus. The Brahmin is associated with white. Hindu religious leaders cover themselves with white ashes to represent their spiritual rebirth. White is the colour of mourning too.

BLUE:

The creator has given the maximum of blue to nature (i.e.) the sky, the oceans, the rivers and the lakes. The deity who has the qualities of bravery, manliness, determination, the ability to deal with difficult situations, of stable mind and depth of character is represented as blue coloured. Lord Rama and Krishna spent their life protecting humanity and destroying evil, hence they are coloured blue.