The toe rings are also known as पादाङ्गुलीयकम् in Sanskrit. They are small silver rings usually wore on second toe & sometimes on other toes also depending on the choice of the women. The toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) are mostly used by married women only & it has health benefits also. The custom of wearing the toe ring (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) by married women is very old in Hinduism. It’s a tradition that also have lots of significance. Ornately embellished rings are generally worn on special occasions. The toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) are worn in pairs in the second toe of both feet & are usually made of silver metal only. They are worn by the women as the symbol of being married & are not removed throughout the lifetime. While the toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) are known to have incredible social & religious significance, not a lot is known about the health benefits associated with these silver rings.
During ancient times, men too used to wear rings on their toes for acupressure purposes as it will increase their masculinity. The toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) have been mentioned in the Ramayana as well. When Sita was kidnapped by Ravana, she threw her toe ring (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) along the way as the identification for Rama. As a new life of a woman after marriage hence, she faces different mental & physical changes in her upcoming life but, this ornament makes her mentally & physically fit in all aspects & helps her to handle the new married life with ease.
Tradition of wearing toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) carries tremendous social significance for married women in India. Tradition of wearing toe ring (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) is more than 5000-year-old culture in India which is followed by every generation till date. These toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) are not just ornament meant for beautification, but have great scientific value as well. These rings are traditionally made of silver because they are good conductors. Historically, toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) worn by women were traditionally never crafted in gold, as gold is considered symbolic of goddess Lakshmi i.e. the goddess of wealth, & hence gold is not adorned by women below the waist. To get positive & divine vibrations gold ornaments are worn on the upper parts of the body. Wearing gold rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) in the feet negatively charges the body & disturbs the mechanism resulting the person getting mentally disturbed.
Scientific benefits of wearing the toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) –
1. During ancient time some men also frequently wore the toe ring (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) on the big toe for curative purposes or to enhance their masculine strength.
2. It regulates the blood circulation of the women wearing the toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्).
3. According to Ayurveda, the nerve on the second toe of the feet is connected directly to the uterus of the woman. So, a slight pressure due to the toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) regulates the menstrual cycle & ensures a healthy uterus.
4. Toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) apply slight pressure which results in acupressure benefits as well, this is because they press some nerves in the feet which are helpful for the reproductive system of the woman & improves fertility.
5. It is a common knowledge that silver is a good conductor hence, it is known to drain out negative energy from a woman’s body.
6. Also, that particular nerve in the second finger from toe, connects the uterus & passes to the heart. Because of this, the constant friction caused while walking & all sorts of activities during the day, it energizes the organs.
7. As silver being a good conductor, it also absorbs the energy from the earth, passes it to the body & nourishes the human body.
8. It strengthens the heart & heart related diseases are cured.
9. Wearing the toe ring (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) on second toe also arouse the sexual desires in married women.
10. Some scientific research mentions that, the pressure felt on the second toe helps to ease pain during intercourse & this is the reason unmarried women are not allowed to wear the toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) but, unmarried Hindu girls may put toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) on the third toe to help ease in menstrual pain.
Wearing toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) is a sign of the marital status in many Hindu cultures & it is also considered to be a symbol of good luck to herself, her family & her husband. Thus, the toe rings (पादाङ्गुलीयकम्) may worn for the traditional practice & for the beautification of the women, but the reason why they are worn has a lot to do for the good health & well-being of the women.
अधिक अश्विनः शुक्लपक्षे १२, २०७६