2.4. Neck Ornaments (a): Hāra

Hāra is of two kinds—worn close to the neck and hanging type. Even though it is made out of several materials like flowers, gold and gems, pearl made Hāra is more popular. Hāra is called by several names on the basis of its shape or that of the materials used in its making. Some of them are worn by both the sexes, while others are meant for males or females only. Some of them are—(1) Candrahāra, (2) Kaṇṭhahāra, (3) Mauktikahāra, (4) Hāraśekhara, (5) Hārayaṣṭi, (6) Tārahāra, (7) Candrāṃśukahāra, (8) Guṭikānahāra, (9) Indranīlahāra, (10) Candramaulihāra, (11) Hāraratna, (12) Hāraśrīvatsaka, (13) Muktāhāra, (14) Phalakahāra, (15) Vyālambahāra and (16) Śeṣahāra. Of these, the use of Candrahāra is alluded to by Ṛgveda^[1]. Probably it is shaped like a crescent.

In Vālmīki-rāmāyaṇa, a Kaṇṭhahāra is referred to^[2]. This is perhaps worn round close to the neck.

In Mārkaṇḍeyapurāṇa^[3] it is described that a Hāra was presented to Devī by the milk ocean.

Bharata speaks of Muktāhāra for both males and females. It is made of pearls^[4].

Hāraśekhara, Hārayaṣṭi, Tārahāra, Candrāṃśukahāra and Guṭikānahāra are one stringed pearl necklace, which are frequently mentioned by Kālidāsa^[5]. He also speaks of Nirddhoutahāra and Lambahāra^[6]. Nirddhoutahāra is perhaps a pearl garland with transparent beeds similar to dew drops.

In Viddhasālabhañjikā, there is a reference to Indranīlahāra, which is made of sapphire^[7]. Candramaṇihāra may perhaps be a necklace of moonstone. Hāraratna and Hāraśrīvatsaka are shown in the images of deities. Śeṣahāra, as the name suggests is designed like a snake.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

VIII.47.15

[2]:

I.6.11, III.1.78, 58.30,V.3.22, 5.73

[3]:

79.30

[4]:

Nāṭyaśāstra, XXI.116-120

[5]:

Raghuvaṃśa, XIII.48,V.52; Kumārasambhava, II.19; Ṛtusaṃhāra, I.6

[6]:

Harṣacarita, I^st Ucchvāsa

[7]:

NTAIS, p.88