Solah Shringar: The Science, Symbolism, and Sacredness of 16 Adornments

Before jewelry became fashion, it was function. Before it became ornament, it was offering.
In ancient India, adornment was an act of reverence — not just of beauty, but of body, mind, and spirit. Known as Solah Shringar (Sixteen Adornments), this practice wasn’t reserved just for weddings or rituals. It was a holistic system designed to align a woman’s body with the rhythms of nature, energy, and emotion.
At Viyara, we are deeply inspired by this intelligence — because it proves that what our ancestors wore wasn’t random. It was intentional, intuitive, and incredibly wise.
Let’s rediscover all 16 shringars — and the surprising logic, healing, and purpose behind each one.

1. Bindi (Forehead Mark)
📍 Applied between the eyebrows — the Ajna Chakra (Third Eye)
    •    Spiritual: Represents focus, inner wisdom, and divine protection.
    •    Scientific: The spot between the brows is a pressure point known to calm the nervous system, relieve headaches, and improve concentration.
    •    Why it matters: It balances energy, grounds the mind, and subtly stimulates the pituitary gland — the master regulator of hormones.

2. Sindoor (Vermillion Powder)
📍 Applied along the hair parting — the crown area
    •    Spiritual: Symbol of sacred union and activation of higher consciousness.
    •    Scientific: Contains turmeric, lime, and camphor — all known for their antimicrobial and cooling properties. The area has many fine nerve endings.
    •    Why it matters: Stimulates mental focus, reduces stress, and is linked to healthy hormonal balance when applied regularly.

3. Maang Tikka
📍 Jewelry worn on the central hair parting, dangling onto the forehead
    •    Spiritual: Anchors divine feminine energy and balances intellect.
    •    Scientific: Resting right over the pineal gland, it helps align sleep cycles and calm overthinking.
    •    Why it matters: A stunning ornament that doubles as a forehead relaxant.

4. Kajal (Kohl)
📍 Applied around the eyes
    •    Spiritual: Protects from nazar (evil eye), enhances the power of sight.
    •    Scientific: Traditional kajal made from clarified ghee or castor oil has anti-bacterial and cooling effects.
    •    Why it matters: Reduces eye strain, enhances alertness, and soothes dry eyes — especially in ancient dusty climates.

5. Nath (Nose Ring)
📍 Pierced on the nostril (usually left side)
    •    Spiritual: Represents beauty, fertility, and grounding.
    •    Scientific: The left nostril is linked to the female reproductive system in Ayurveda. Piercing here may reduce menstrual pain and promote uterine health.
    •    Why it matters: A powerful adornment with benefits that blend beauty with biology.

6. Karna Phool (Earrings)
📍 Worn on the ears
    •    Spiritual: Symbol of receiving — wisdom, sound, and blessings.
    •    Scientific: The ear has multiple acupressure points connected to kidneys, lungs, and reproductive organs.
    •    Why it matters: Ear stimulation is known to aid energy flow, hormone balance, and memory.

7. Haar (Necklace)
📍 Worn around the throat and chest
    •    Spiritual: Protects the Vishuddha Chakra (throat chakra), seat of communication.
    •    Scientific: Gold and silver jewelry regulate body heat and pulse near the carotid artery.
    •    Why it matters: Enhances self-expression and protects the emotional heart space.
8. Bajubandh (Armlet)
📍 Worn on the upper arm
    •    Spiritual: Represents strength and divine grace.
    •    Scientific: Helps support upper arm muscles and may regulate lymphatic flow.
    •    Why it matters: Worn near pressure points, it was believed to build courage and protect against negative energies.

9. Choodiyan (Bangles)
📍 Worn on the wrists
    •    Spiritual: Symbolize energy, continuity, and joy.
    •    Scientific: Constant friction stimulates blood circulation and activates the radial nerve.
    •    Why it matters: Especially in glass bangles, sound vibrations enhance emotional balance and circulation.

10. Anguthi (Finger Rings)
📍 Worn on fingers (each finger governs different elements)
    •    Spiritual: Each finger corresponds to earth, water, fire, air, or ether.
    •    Scientific: Acupressure therapy teaches that finger rings can regulate body organs linked to those fingers.
    •    Why it matters: More than decor — they support specific energy centers.

11. Haathphool (Hand Adornment)
📍 Connects bangles to rings with chains over the back of the hand
    •    Spiritual: Reflects karma — the sacred power of action.
    •    Scientific: Balances nerve points in palms and wrists, subtly relaxing the entire arm.
    •    Why it matters: Reminds us of grace in giving and action.

12. Kamarbandh (Waist Belt)
📍 Worn around the navel area
    •    Spiritual: Protects the solar plexus — seat of personal power.
    •    Scientific: Supports posture, regulates menstrual flow, and maintains core warmth.
    •    Why it matters: Worn during rituals to harness grounding and strength.

13. Payal (Anklet)
📍 Worn on ankles, traditionally in silver
    •    Spiritual: Grounding, joyful energy. Silver absorbs excess body heat and negativity.
    •    Scientific: Stimulates energy flow in the legs and improves blood circulation.
    •    Why it matters: Even the sound promotes mindfulness and grace in movement.

14. Bichhiya (Toe Ring)
📍 Worn on the second toe
    •    Spiritual: Sign of grounding and feminine rhythm.
    •    Scientific: Nerve in second toe connects to uterus — stimulating fertility and balance.
    •    Why it matters: Traditional toe rings were used to promote reproductive health and hormonal harmony.

15. Itar (Natural Perfume)
📍 Applied behind the ears, on wrists, or neck
    •    Spiritual: Fragrance is a subtle purifier of aura and mood.
    •    Scientific: Natural oils like rose, sandalwood, and vetiver calm the nervous system and stabilize moods.
    •    Why it matters: Scent memory is powerful — and sacred in daily rituals.

16. Vastra & Kesh Shringar (Dress & Hair)
📍 Includes saree, lehenga, dupatta, gajra, braid jewels
    •    Spiritual: Completing the outer form in reverence to the goddess within.
    •    Scientific: Natural fabrics, tight wraps (like sarees), and fresh flowers help regulate body temperature, posture, and mental calm.
    •    Why it matters: This final step is about honoring the wholeness of self — a radiant form in sync with nature.

🪔 Adornment As Healing
Solah Shringar is more than tradition.
It’s proof that our ancestors understood how to balance the body, mind, spirit — through beauty.
At Viyara, we don’t just curate jewelry to match your look — we curate adornments that resonate with your energy. Because every piece carries more than design.
It carries wisdom.

You’re not just wearing jewelry.
You’re wearing centuries of science, spirit, and self-care.
Wear what you resonate with.
Wear Viyara.