Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India
by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words
This page relates ‘Neck Ornaments (c): Yajnopavita’ of the study on cosmetics, costumes and ornaments of ancient India based on Sanskrit sources. Chapter one deals with cosmetics and methods of enhancing beauty; Chapter two deals with costumes, garments and dresses; Chapter three deals with ornaments for humans and animals. Each chapter deals with their respective materials, types, preparation and trade, as prevalent in ancient Indian society.
2.4. Neck Ornaments (c): Yajñopavīta
Yajñopavīta is a sacred thread worn across the chest. Usually it is worn by divinities, Brāhmaṇas and Kṣatriyas. Reference to Yajñopavīta made of thread, skin, gold and even pearl is seen.
Kālidāsa talks about Yajñopavīta made of pearls and skin of black deer[1].
Bāṇa attests the use of Yajñopavīta by women. In Kādambarī, a white Yajñopavīta adorning the body of Mahāśvetā is described as a ray of moon on the head of Śiva. There the poet imagines that it was made as gift by Śiva[2]. In Harṣacarita, Sarasvatī is described as decked with a Brahmasūtra[3].
Some other texts that make reference to Yajñopavīta are—Daridracārudatta, Śiśupālavadha, Amarakośa, Mṛcchakaṭika and Mudrārākṣasa. Different manifestations of Śiva are seen adorned with Yajñopavīta[4].
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Mālavikāgnimitra, IV.3; Kumārasambhava, VI.6, III.48; Vikramorvaśīya, V.19
[2]:
Kādambarī, p.147
[3]:
Harṣacarita, p.9
[4]:
Śiśupālavadha, I.7; Amarakośa, 2.7.49, 50; Mṛcchakaṭika, Act III; Mudrārākṣasa, I.7; Daridracārudatta, II, III; Buddhacarita, 5.11