Since ancient times, colours play a very important role in our practises of Sanatana Dharma. Colours are varied and the usage of these colours in our daily life practises also is varied. Colours like Green, Yellow, Blue, White and Saffron have a deep meaning in their usage in our rituals and culture. There are not merely used for decorative purposes but symbolise things which help man grow in a positive way. In old times, colours made out of natural products like flowers, wheat, vegetables etc, were used signifying the importance of nature and the many benefits which it gives us in an environment friendly way.
Yellow – This colour symbolises knowledge and learning. It activates the mind and helps in developing mental competence. Bhagwan Vishnu adorns yellow garments representing his unlimited knowledge. Bhagwan Ganesh wears them as the master of all the Vedas and Sastras. Yellow represents spring and hence the season of spring is bright with the yellow flowers which bring freshness and new beginnings, hence turmeric is used as the auspicious colour in all festivities.
Red – Red is the colour of valour, courage and strength. Bhagawathi Durga adorns the red garments symbolising the power of women in defending and also in the destruction of the evil forces. Putting a red mark on the forehead helps stop the negative energy which wants to enter the human body through the inner eye present between the two eyes. In our Sanatana Dharma, it is always considered important to hence adorn a red tilak on the foreheads of the men and women.
Green – This colour represents happiness and nature and life. Hence, any auspicious beginning is started with the green mango leaves welcoming new lives and ventures into a home, society or community gatherings.
White – White represents purity and peace. White also symbolises cleanliness and a clean mind and soul attracts knowledge and learning. Hence Bhagwathi Saraswathi is seen wearing white clothes and seated on a white lotus with a white swan as her vehicle. White also symbolises peace and calmness which helps the mind be sooth down from the stress of life and be meditative in attractive positive vibes.
Blue – By creating the major of the world filled with the blue sky, the Almighty determines the colour of blue to represent stability and firmness. It gives a control over a situation and helps to fight oppression. Hence Bhagwan Vishnu is the blue coloured one as he fights oppressive forces of the evil and protects the world.
Saffron – Saffron is the most sacred colour of our Sanatana Dharma. This represents fire which destroys all the impurities. Including the saffron colour into our festivities and rituals is a mark of destroying the impurities within the body and the soul and make one self-pure and connected to the Almighty. Hence, hermits and sages wear saffron robes representing that control of senses and keeping their mind firm on the devotion of the Supreme Being.
Life is full of colours and each colour has a meaning to it. Colours in our Sanatana Dharma not only make our lif bright and cheerful, but also lead us in their spiritual way to be connected to nature and the Almighty and fill our life with happiness and prosperity.