Aranjana Charadu or Arainjaan Kayiru (Malayalam: അരഞ്ഞാണ ചരട് Tamil: ta:அரைஞாண் கயிறு Telugu:[1] మొలతాడు[2][3][4][5])[6][7][8] is a traditional custom prevalent in South India,[9] especially among the Hindu and Muslim communities. It involves the ritual of tying a sacred thread around the waist as a symbol of protection from evil spirits.[10] This practice has been passed down through generations, deeply embedded in the cultural and religious beliefs of the people.[11]
Background
editAranjana Charadu, also known as Araignan Kayiru or Arana Kayiru,[12] is a waist thread that holds significant religious and cultural importance in South India. Traditionally, it is tied around the waist, just above the genital area. Made typically of cotton or silk, the thread is usually red or black in colour. It is believed to possess spiritual properties that counteract the adverse effects of evil forces and ward off the evil eye. Different colours of threads are associated with specific purposes: black threads are thought to protect against malevolent influences, while red threads are believed to safeguard against the effects of enemies. Alongside the waist thread, some individuals also wear amulets, known as "elas" in Malayalam and "thayattu"[13] in Tamil.
According to Indian mythology, wearing the waist thread helps negate the effects of nudity on the body. It is a common belief that one should never remain nude from birth until death, and wearing the thread fulfills this requirement, nullifying potential negative impacts of nudity. This practice is deeply ingrained in the cultural and spiritual beliefs of many people in India, who consider it an essential aspect of maintaining modesty, purity, and spiritual harmony.[14]
The concept of waist threads is also closely linked to the Indian Tantric tradition, particularly concerning the "Nabhi Chakra" and the "Mooladhar Chakra." The Nabhi Chakra is believed to be located at the navel, while the Mooladhar Chakra is connected to the reproductive organs of both males and females. These organs are considered to be protected from negative influences by wearing a silver or gold chain around the waist. This practice is thought to enhance and preserve the vital energy associated with the Mooladhar Chakra, thereby preventing it from being wasted in uncontrolled sexual desires.
The tradition of wearing a waist thread extends beyond spiritual or superstitious beliefs, encompassing significant health aspects as well. In ancient times, when scientific explanations were scarce, people depended on religious and cultural practices to maintain their well-being. The waist thread is believed to promote the growth of strong and healthy genitals, prevent conditions such as hernia, contribute to the development of healthy bones, aid in controlling weight and waist size by improving digestion, and enhance fertility. These health benefits were particularly valued in ancient times when scientific knowledge was limited, leading people to rely on religious and cultural practices for their health and well-being.[15]
Meaning
editThe tradition of wearing the Aranjana Charadu is deeply rooted in South Indian culture, symbolizing faith, protection and connection to cultural heritage. While it is primarily observed by the Hindu and Muslim communities, the practice goes beyond religious boundaries, with individuals from various backgrounds embracing this custom.
The waist thread is known by different names in various regions of South India. In Tamil Nadu, it is referred to as "Araignan Kayiru"[16] or "Arana Kayiru."[17][18][19] Additionally, the thread can be made from different materials, including cotton, silk, and precious metals such as silver or gold. The use of these metals lends an additional layer of opulence to its religious and cultural significance.[20][21][22]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ RAMA (14 July 2022). "మగాళ్లు మొలతాడు ఎందుకు కట్టుకోవాలి, ఆధ్యాత్మిక కారణాలేంటి - సైన్స్ ఏం చెబుతోంది!". telugu.abplive. (in Telugu). Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "University of Madras Dictionary". tamilvu. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
- ^ "Waist Threads : మగాళ్ళకు మొలతాడు ఎందుకు ఉంటుంది...?". Tolivelugu తొలివెలుగు. 19 May 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ Bunty (6 December 2021). "మొల తాడు ఎందుకు ధరిస్తారో తెలుసా ? దాని వెనుకున్న సైన్స్ ఇదే..!". Manam News. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ Vikas, Manda. "Molathadu । మొలతాడు లేకుండే మగాడు కాదా? ఇది ఎందుకు కట్టుకుంటారో తెలుసుకోండి!". Hindustantimes Telugu (in Telugu). Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "மின் கட்டண உயர்வால் கயிறு உற்பத்தி நிறுத்தம் : கூலி இன்றி தொழிலாளர்கள் பட்டினி". Dinamalar. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
- ^ "அரைஞாண் கயிறு ஏன் அணிகிறோம் தெரியுமா?!". Dinamani (in Tamil). Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "ஏன் ஆண்கள் கட்டாயம் அரைஞாண் கயிறு கட்ட வேண்டும் என தெரியுமா?". tamil.boldsky. (in Tamil). 8 October 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ Vikas, Manda. "Molathadu । మొలతాడు లేకుండే మగాడు కాదా? ఇది ఎందుకు కట్టుకుంటారో తెలుసుకోండి!". Hindustantimes Telugu (in Telugu). Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "Significance of black thread: अगर जान गए बच्चों को काला धागा बांधने का क्या कारण है, तो कर देंगे पहनाना शुरू!". NDTVIndia. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
- ^ Daily, Keralakaumudi. "അരയിൽ നൂലുകെട്ടുന്നത് എന്തിനാണെന്ന് അറിയാമോ? പിന്നിലുള്ള വിശ്വാസം ഇതാണ്, മുതിർന്നവർ ധരിക്കുന്നതിന് മറ്റുചില ലക്ഷ്യങ്ങളും". Keralakaumudi Daily. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ ஏ.சூர்யா (19 June 2022). "அரைஞாண் கயிறு; அணிந்துகொள்வதன் பின்னிருக்கும் ஆரோக்கியக் காரணி என்ன?". vikatan. (in Tamil). Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ மலர், மாலை (30 June 2023). "ஆன்மிகம்: இன்றைய முக்கிய நிகழ்வுகள் மற்றும் பஞ்சாங்கம்". maalaimalar. (in Tamil). Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ Vikas, Manda. "Molathadu । మొలతాడు లేకుండే మగాడు కాదా? ఇది ఎందుకు కట్టుకుంటారో తెలుసుకోండి!". Hindustantimes Telugu (in Telugu). Retrieved 28 June 2023.
- ^ "अगर आप कमर में काला धागा नहीं बांधते हैं तो ये खबर जरूर पढ़े". sanjeevnitoday. (in Hindi). 27 July 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
- ^ dinesh.tg. "குழந்தை பிறந்த பிறகு அரைஞாண் கயிறு ஏன் கட்டுகிறோம்? இதில் இத்தனை நன்மைகள் ஒளிந்துள்ளனவா?". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd (in Tamil). Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "அரைஞாண் கயிறு ஏன் தெரியுமா?". Hindu Tamil Thisai (in Tamil). 20 November 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "அரைஞாண் கயிறு .. அதென்ன இடுப்புல கருப்பா..உங்க கிட்ட இது ஒன்னு மட்டும் போதும்.. அதிசயத்தை பாருங்க". tamil.oneindia (in Tamil). 12 June 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "பிறந்த குழந்தைகளுக்கு அரைஞாண் கயிறு கட்டுவது ஏன்? இதன் காரணமென்ன? - மனிதன்". Manithan (in Tamil). Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ Raji (6 June 2022). "காலில் கருப்பு கயிறு அணிபவர்கள் செய்யக்கூடாத தவறு என்ன? காலில் கருப்பு கயிறு எதற்கு அணியலாம்? எப்படி அணியலாம்?". Dheivegam (in Tamil). Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "Molathadu : మగవాళ్లు మొలతాడు బుధవారమే కట్టుకోవాలా?". 20 December 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ staff, staff (27 March 2023). "మగవారు మొలతాడు ఎందుకు కట్టుకోవాలి? కట్టుకోకపోతే ఏమవుతుంది? దీని గురించి ఆసక్తికరమైన విషయాలు..!!". Telugu News International - TNILIVE. Retrieved 30 June 2023.