Interviewer:
Pranam, Gurudev. For a very long time—since time immemorial—we have seen Sanatani Hindu married women wearing a white bangle or "Shakha." I want to know the story of how the Shakha came into existence.
Gurudev:
In ancient times, the deities used to wear many ornaments. Their appearance was grand and filled with jewelry. These were created by Vishwakarma; his task was to craft these items.
Gurudev:
One day, the deities held a council. Everyone was there—from Indra and Adishakti to Devadidev Mahadev and Ma Durga. Ma Durga wasn't wearing many ornaments on her body at the time. Shiva, being "Sada-Shiva" (the eternal ascetic), didn't feel the need for much jewelry.
Gurudev:
During the gathering, a question arose: "We have seen all these ornaments, but gold, silver, and other metals have already been used. Is there anything else left to discover?" Mahadev then suggested, "You should call Vishwakarma for this. He is the only one who can find a solution."
Gurudev:
Vishwakarma was summoned. He was asked if there was anything that could enhance the beauty of women even further. Vishwakarma replied, "Look, we have exhausted gold, silver, copper, and iron. Everything has been used to make ornaments. But there is one thing—the 'Mahashankha' (Great Conch) at the bottom of the ocean. If we can retrieve and work with that, it will be incredibly beautiful and will enhance a woman's grace."
Gurudev:
Following this, Vishwakarma churned the depths of the ocean. He retrieved the conch and, with great craftsmanship, created the Shakha. You see the white "Shola" crafts used for idols today? That beauty originally came from the conch. In those days, Vishwakarma would carve these designs directly onto the conch shell.
Gurudev:
When these were made and given to Ma Durga to wear, everyone was stunned. Though she wore other jewelry, the radiance of the Shakha made all other ornaments seem dim. Its pure white glow was magnificent. Mahadev and the other deities were very pleased. It was decreed that if women wore the Shakha, it would increase their good fortune and enhance their beauty.
Gurudev:
According to those instructions, it became a rule for women to wear Shakha after marriage. In fact, it must be worn on the morning of the wedding day. It is truly beautiful—when a woman wears the Shakha and has sindoor (vermilion) on her forehead, she looks divine.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, as you explained, the Shakha has been a tradition for Sanatani women since their marriage. But lately, as the world becomes more "modern," we see this tradition fading away.
Gurudev:
Yes, they are widely available in the market, but many women choose not to wear them. Nowadays, it seems some women want to prove to the world that they are not married. Even married women avoid wearing sindoor and Shakha. If people find out they are married, they feel it limits them. They want to show themselves as "unmarried" to attract others.
Gurudev:
But this does not bring well-being to their husbands or themselves. When women come to me for help with their husband's problems, I ask them, "Are you wearing the symbols of marriage? The Shakha, sindoor, and 'alta' (red dye) are essential for a husband's well-being."
Gurudev:
In our Sanatani tradition, the "Stree Achar" (conduct of women) involves wearing sindoor, alta, and Shakha. Only then is she considered a "wife" in the true sense.