From Vedic days up till today a total number of 36 kinds of Ornamental jewelry were used during then, but now most of the jewelry names are not even known to many of the younger generations. Just to remind them of the past lifestyles and fashions, Below is a list of a few of the jewelry and ornaments that were used in those olden days and their scientific value in practical terms. Yester-years women’s favorite ornaments are listed with their usage and explained with the significance of wearing the same.
Ornaments and Jewels are considered fashionable all over the globe. But in ancient times, Indians & majority of Hindu women used these ornaments, mainly made of Gold and some Silver, with so beautiful crafting and designs, all the good work handcrafted by goldsmiths. There were and are numerous ornaments decorative or otherwise but the Hindus wore these ornaments in every visible part of their body! They wore jewelry items not just for show, but with some inner meaning to them. Here I am giving the ornaments worn usually by any Indian Woman.
To begin with, an Item used as Metti by Indian married women in general and Brahman women, in particular, is made of Silver. This is a ring with two or three-line rounds, worn on their second finger from the toe. By wearing this on both feet, it is believed, that their Menstrual cycle course is regularized with even intervals. This gives good scope for conceiving married women. Also, it is said just because that particular nerve in the second finger from the toe, also connects the uteruses and passes thru the heart. Because of this, the constant friction caused while walking and doing all sorts of chores during the day revitalizes the productivity organs. Silver being a good conductor, it also absorbs the energy from the polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body, thus refreshing the whole body system.
Next, above their feet joint, they used to wear an ornament known as kolusu in Tamil, Ghungru in Hindi, which is known as Anklets in English. It is widely believed that by wearing this, one’s energy is not wasted, but re-vibrated back to one’s own body. How far this is true just cannot be said, but for generations, Indian women of all ages and walks wear this ornament, even today. This item is made of Silver and is available in so many attractive designs and it really makes a woman pretty good in looks!
Another piece of jewelry, an ornament knowingly used by Indian women as Hip Belt called Oddiyaanam. This too is made of Silver, but the usage of this is not common. It is very particularly used to control women from getting fatter and to avoid flabs in hip and pot belly. Since no women use these days this ornament, one can see the results that are visible!.
Then an ornamental jewel called Kaappu, is also a type of Anklet made of silver is given to children from the 11th day they are born. For this they have a separate function called naming ceremony is commonly known as Naamakaranam. Sometimes this Anklet is made with a Silver and Copper mix.
There are customs, acharas (sishtachara, lokachara etc.), sampradaya, and so on. This varies from place to place. I have heard from elders that gold should not be adorned below the waist. So Silver ornaments metti and kollusu are used on ankle and toe.
People without knowing this started asking for Golden kolusu (anklet) or the sellers were happy to sell.. What is the next stage? Can they wear a golden anklet studded with precious stones like diamond?
People need not keep Gold on their heads, but at least not to wear it on their legs!
Atharva Veda says that gold comes from Agni Deva. Sun God is in Gold. Moon-god is in Gold with luster. Maybe for this reason the gold ornament is used only above the waist.
There is only one exception. The leg ornaments of temple deities are gold.
Even great kings and very rich in Bharath did not have golden chappals.
On wearing gold some information is shared as below.
1) Advantages of wearing Gold:
Atharva veda, Kandam (Book) 19, Suktam 26, Verse 1;
अग्ने: प्रजातं परि यत् हिरण्यम् अमृतं दघ्रे अधि मर्त्येषु । य एनव्देद स इदेनमर्हति जरामृत्युर्भवति यो बिभर्ति ।।
This means that I adorn gold created or originated from the fire which bestows eternity. One who adorns it is liberated from the fear of untimely death.
Atharva veda, Kandam (Book) 19, Suktam 26 (all the Four Verses) Translation by Ralph T.H. Griffith, [1895]
1 Gold that was born from the Fire is immortal hath been deposited with mortal creatures. He who knows this deserves to own this jewel, and in extreme old age dies, he who wears it.
2 The men of the ancient time with children around them longed for this Gold, bright with the Sun’s own color,
This shall endow thee, as it shines, with splendor, and long
shall be the life of him who wears it.
3 Long life and splendor let it bring energy and strength to thee. That thou mayst shine among the folk with all the brightness of the Gold.
4 What Varuna the King knows well, and what the God
Brihaspati, And Indra, Slayer of the Foe, may that bestow long life on thee, may that increase thy splendid strength.
