The ring is also known as अङ्गुलीयकम् or मुद्रिका in Sanskrit, it is an ornament that is worn on the fingers. Both male & female wear this ornament. During ancient times, rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) have been worn by the people of different cultures, tribes & countries. While each kind of the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) is associated with a different significance. Engagement rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) & wedding rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका), seem to have ancient origins, estimated to be practiced since more than 3000 years ago. Token rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) were exchanged between kings, queens & people of high social standards. The method of inscribing one’s name on the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) is from the times of Ramayana. In earlier times, the Kings & Emperors imprinted their emblems on the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) & used it as a stamp which was known as राजमुद्रा. These rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) stood as a symbol of protection in situations of emergency.
Material used to make the rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका); initially stems & thick yarn were used to make the rings. The materials used to make them were not much durable. With time, leather, bone, ivory & other items were used to make the rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका). The more expensive the material, greater the value of the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका). In India, the rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) have been worn since centuries as a prominent indicator of the marital status of Hindu men & women; especially for the men, as married women used to wear an auspicious ornamental thread (मङ्गलसूत्रम्). Nowadays the rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) are made of gold, silver, copper, brass, five-metal alloy (पञ्च धातवः / पञ्च धातुः) etc. Five metal alloys (पञ्च धातवः / पञ्च धातुः) mean gold, silver, copper, zinc & iron. Rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) are primarily made in metallic, beaded & gemstone-embellished designs. Traditional the rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) are generally made of precious metals. In Hinduism, the engagement & the wedding rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) are always made of gold. Nowadays however, people go for options like white gold, because of their pocket-friendly prices but that is not the original Hindu tradition. However, gemstone rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) have an astrological significance in Hindu culture & popular stones like diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emerald, golden topaz, pearls, etc. can be worn only on one particular finger, bearing a certain carat, encrusted in a particular metal to be worn on a particular day. Each stone is said to have significance & remedial powers.
As a fashion accessory, people go for the rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) made in oxidized silver, copper or bronze, when it comes to metallic jewellery. Alternately, rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) made out of plastic, beads, seas-shell, wood are also available & is only for fashion accessory purposes, it has nothing to do with the scientific health benefits. Since traditional rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) are generally made of either gold or silver, one can wear them with ease. However, the rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) made of alloys like white gold, especially the ones coated with rhodium, one may have skin allergies. Thus, in case of skin allergies, one must avoid wearing rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) not made of precious metals. The same goes for oxidized silver jewellery which is usually worn as casual jewellery. However, wooden, beaded or sea-shell jewellery can be worn as they are not of reactive nature.
Significance of wearing the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) -
The ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) being complementary to spiritual practice (आध्यात्मिक-विकासः), the medium of the ring does not allow a person to be under the influence of Desire-Energy (इच्छा शक्तिः). The person is able to control his sense organs. The strictness of the impressions (संस्कारः) is reduced. The capacity of the person to absorb the Consciousness (चैतन्यम्) of the Deity in the atmosphere increases. Thus, a situation balancing to a person’s spiritual practice (आध्यात्मिक-विकासः) is created. The benefits mentioned here are acquired in a higher proportion if a gold ring is worn. The benefits from the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) made of other metals, is comparatively less. The Consciousness (चैतन्यम्) obtained from the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) varies as per the metal of the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका). The Consciousness (चैतन्यम्) obtained from Gold is 70%, 35% is obtained from Silver, 15% is obtained from Copper, 07% is obtained from five-metal alloy (पञ्च धातवः / पञ्च धातुः) & 3% is obtained from other metals.
It is obvious from the above passage that, why it is more beneficial to wear a gold ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) only. The Consciousness (चैतन्यम्) acquired from the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) also depends on the shape of the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका). There are the rings (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) with different designs & different shapes on them like a serpentine shape, quadrilateral, square, circular & triangular. A person gains the Consciousness (चैतन्यम्) as per the shape in a specific proportion.
The engagement ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) should always be worn on the ring finger. There is a reason for that, as one gains maximum benefit by wearing the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) on the ring finger. The ring finger (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) is associated with the Absolute Water Element (जलं तत्त्वम्). The Water Element (जलं तत्त्वम्) is nurtured in the ring finger & it is also emitted from the ring finger (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका). Hence, the person gets the benefit of the Water Element (जलं तत्त्वम्) by wearing the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) on the ring finger (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका).
Wearing the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) on your ring finger will let the divine consciousness emit from the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका), resulting in the creation of acupressure on that finger. This is supposed to significantly diminish any sort of negative energy, boosting the finger to attain the ultimate divine power. There is a meridian point on the ring finger of the person & the hormones produced by the human body is mainly transported by this meridian point. When the ring finger has the gold ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) on it, it can massage the meridian point, thus stimulating the three-focal, so that it stays active & unblocked at all times.
Benefits of wearing the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) -
1. Due to ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका), the delicate part of the finger is pressed & acupressure healing occurs. As a result, the negative energy on that part is removed & Consciousness (चैतन्यम्) flows in each finger & the functional ability of the related part increases.
2. There is the concept of gaining protection from the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) by wearing the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) charged with mantras one is not afflicted by negativity etc.
3. Wearing the gold ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) alleviates stress & depression.
4. It activates & clear third eye circle (आज्ञा चक्रम्) & heart circle (अनाहत चक्रम्).
5. It reduces emotional conflicts.
6. One attracts wealth & positivity after wearing the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका).
7. It keeps out negative entities & attracts positivity.
8. It balances the creative & logical aspects of the brain.
9. Wearing ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) also balances blood circulation.
10. The benefits of wearing a gold ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) also reduces the chance of skin infection.
11. To get positive & divine vibrations gold ornaments are worn on the upper parts of the body. Wearing gold ring in the feet negatively charges the body & disturbs the mechanism resulting the person getting mentally disturbed.
12. It helps in reducing depressive emotions. It is a good de-stressor as it can uplift mental emotions & improve emotional state.
13. It gives relaxing effects on the body as it emits soothing vibration & warm energy. This, in turn, can help speeding the healing process of any illness.
14. It helps to regulate the body temperature. It is especially useful when one has night sweats.
Picture Courtesy- Sanatan Sanstha
Thus, the ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) made from gold can be kept in shape for a long time & it is not easy to deteriorate. Health benefits wearing gold ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) are numerous. Wearing gold ornaments on different body parts is common in various cultures since the Vedic era. Not only females, but males also used to decorate themselves with ornaments as seen in the ancient pictures & statues found from various archaeological excavations. Gods & Goddess are seen decorated with gold ornaments in statues present in the ancient temples. Gold & silver ornaments are the source of energy & they protect the body from various diseases including mental, physical & spiritual. Anyone can wear a gold ring (अङ्गुलीयकम् / मुद्रिका) any time. May it be during weddings, festivals, meetings, or even in everyday life. However, in today’s modern society, few have knowledge on the benefits of wearing gold & still many believe to wear gold ornaments during wedding, engagement & festive occasions.
भाद्रपदः कृष्णपक्षे ५, २०७६