The waist chain is also known as मेखला in Sanskrit, which literally means a waist girdle. The waist chain (मेखला) is another ornament which has a great significance. It is worn on the waist by women. The waist chain (मेखला) is a girdle-like ornament tied around the waist of infants & children. The primary purpose is to measure the healthy growth of an infant by the increase of the waistline. The waist chain (मेखला) can also fasten with the cloth on the waist, similar to women using it to secure the folds of a saree. Some people also believe that it will safeguard against evil spirits. Although in India, most women & many men still continue to wear them as an adult also.
It is believed that woman used to decorate their waist by wearing ornamental jewellery for 4000 years or more. It was originated in India as seen in sculptures & paintings from the time dating back to the Indus valley civilization. In addition to beliefs & cultures related to Hindu Gods & Goddesses, waist chains (मेखला) are seen wearing by Hindu Deities like Krishna, Radha, Ram, Sita, in the great epics like Mahabharata & Ramayana. The waist chain (मेखला) was a part of the medieval upper-class costume in India. The carvings & statues at temples & other structures like Ajanta & Ellora caves show most men, women & dancers wearing impressive waist chains (मेखला) to complement their attire. If you ever have the opportunity to see ancient Indian paintings & sculptures, you will always see the presence of the waist chains (मेखला) for both the males & the females depicted in the ancient arts. Even today many Indian are seen wearing waist chains (मेखला) & the number seems to increase everyday all around the world.
The waist chain or waist girdle (मेखला) is a simple chain or crafted jewellery worn around the waist. Waist chains (मेखला) are normally made of silver or gold & on rare occasions people use a mix of black thread with silver or gold pendant. The waist chains (मेखला) are mostly used in the present days by the belly dancers over their costume or directly on their body producing a whizzing sound. Presently, in many parts of the world, waist chains (मेखला) have become a fashion accessory & sensual symbol for women & men. The waist chain (मेखला) has an added advantage of making the wearer’s waist look slim.
In many cultures, wearing a gold waist chain (मेखला) is one of the must-wear jewelleries during a wedding & definitely does a lot to make the bride look more beautiful than ever. In some part of India, all new born babies are given waist chains (मेखला) as part of their ceremonial naming rite. Many of the boys eventually abandon the chains as they go through their teenage life but many boys & almost all the girls continue with them through adulthood. The waist chain (मेखला) maybe the culture of ancient Hindu but it is still a very vital part of today’s cultural attire. Today many fashionable waist chains (मेखला) are made from the finest ornaments or from shinning sleek cloth materials. There are cheaper ones that are made of copper or just sprayed with gold. They look great over Indian ethnic cloths such as Sarees & Lehengas. But those waist chains (मेखला) are not much effective & does not impart any benefit than the gold or silver waist chains (मेखला).
Scientific reasons of wearing a waist chain (मेखला) –
1. Waist chain (मेखला) helps in regulating the menstrual periods & provides relief from the menstrual cramps.
2. Waist chain (मेखला) made of silver is said to control belly fat & avoid flab in hip.
3. Waist chain (मेखला) helps one to keep the throat clear of mucus & phlegm, due to acupressure that the hook contacts directly to the skin area thereby assuring to have a clear voice.
4. It is believed that, when any insects or snake bites then the waist chain (मेखला) block the poison to pass to the upper body so that it will not affect the brain.
5. According to Ayurveda, wearing waist chain (मेखला) improves efficiency of the kidneys & the urinary bladder.
6. It also gives relief from backache & other joint pains.
7. It improves blood circulation & balances the overall body temperature.
8. It prevents hernia.
9. It attracts more positivity & keeps the negative energy away.
10. It relives one from anxiety.
11. It also prevents insomnia (sleeping disease) of the person wearing the waist chain (मेखला).
12. It is said to be effective in keeping the organs clean, increases the energy levels & boost the immunity.
13. Wearing silver waist chain (मेखला) one can able to ward off infections, as well as flu/ cold symptoms, along with bacterial & viral infections.
The pure wealth of the types of jewellery pieces that women adorns from head to toe is astonishing. As a part of the glorious heritage of India, waist chains (मेखला) are a glorious reminder of the same, & hence very much worn by women. This extensive type of jewellery cannot be found anywhere in the world. The royal families of India have given support to the art of jewellery since long time & often competed with each other to possess the most exquisite & bejewelled pieces. Some forms of traditional jewellery are making an appearance again; the waist chain (मेखला) has gained popularity with a history of being worn by kings & queens.
The waist chains (मेखला) are jewellery that is grand & exquisite. There is nothing subtle about the waist chains (मेखला) as it is adorned with uncut diamonds, rubies, emeralds & pearls. Designs for gold chains with engraved patterns with a large central stone like a diamond, ruby or emerald makes a statement by itself. The waist chains (मेखला) made with multiple chains that are gathered together at intervals with a single stone like a ruby or an emerald are stunning & are in vogue, it looks beautiful when worn with silk sarees in traditional designs. Thus, it is not just style but history, elegance, beauty & scientific reasons rolled into one piece of stunning fashion statement.
भाद्रपदः कृष्णपक्षे १२, २०७६