Benefits of Alta on Feet: Does it Only Symbolise Marital Bliss?

Our mothers apply Alta on their feet on certain occasions, especially at weddings and rituals. They say it is applied for joy and prosperity. We find little girls in our locality wearing Alta on certain sacred rituals. What are the benefits of applying Alta on feet? Let’s dive into depth to learn about it.

Mahavar Meaning and Its Inside Story

Alta, Alah, Mahavar is a red dye married women use on various religious occasions. Some use it in marriage rituals. It has a vast number of uses. The word Alta is derived from the Sanskrit word Alaktaka. In the early days, Alta was made from betel leaves, vermillion, and Kumkum. Some used turmeric, lime, and water to make it. These give it a bright red colour. In this modern era, Alta is made artificially using the pigments of flowers.

The History of Mahavar (Alta)

The story of Mahavar tells us about the sacred use of it by different gods and goddesses. We say Lord Krishna resembles the nature of a female. He wears Alta on his hands, feet, nose, etc. He dances with Gopis, applying Alta on his feet. Shree Krishna applied this coloured dye on Radha’s feet. He said it symbolised pure love and devotion.

The other story we come across is about the Upanishads. Alta, a red-coloured dye, is present in the Upanishads. It is among the sixteen adornments (Solah Shringaar) of Hindu women. Maa Lakshmi and Durga apply Alta on their hands and feet. By this, they represent fertility and prosperity.

The Mahavar is mentioned in the poem Shakuntala, written by Kalidasa. Most Indian films have shown the use of Alta in movies, such as Devdas, Parineeta, Chokher Bali, etc. Indian women have embraced Alta as an astrological remedy and cultural tradition.

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Benefits of Alta on Feet- Astrological Overview

Astrology explains various aspects of wearing Alta. We must remember specific directions, days, and ways to apply it. Below, let us know about them:

Right Direction of Applying Alta

If we are applying Alta, we should start with the right foot. It would help if you start with the right hand when applying Alta on any occasion. A woman should not wear Alta facing south. We should face the north direction at the time of applying Alta. The east direction is favourable for wearing it. We cannot reap the benefits of applying Alta on our feet if we use it in the wrong direction.

Why Not Apply Alta on Tuesdays?

Tuesday is not an auspicious day to apply to Alta, as Maa Lakshmi remains unhappy with that person. Negative energies can surround the person if Alta is used on Tuesdays.

Why Alta Should Not Be Incomplete?

People say we should not leave the Alta design on our feet incomplete. Married women need to apply it to the end of their heel. Incomplete Alta on feet can be inauspicious for married women.

Don’t Wash Your Feet After Applying It

If you are going to wash the Alta just after applying it, you need to STOP! Washing the feet immediately after wearing Alta can bring bad luck to your husband. Removing Mahavar means you are inviting troubles to your married life.

Why Do Men Apply Mahavar?

Men apply Mahavar for a happy married life. They believe wearing Alta can make them get rid of adverse planetary effects in life. If a man donates Mahavar, he can get good results in his married life. Men should apply Alta in their marriage. Wearing it on other occasions- Teej can bring positive outcomes. Alta on feet makes Venus strong in our charts.

Benefits of Alta on Feet: In Cultural Tradition

Applying Alta has been a cultural tradition for many. We love to wear Alta on religious occasions and wedding ceremonies. Let us know why it is a cultural tradition to wear Alta.

Why Married Women Apply Alta?

Following are the reasons why married women wear Alta:

Married women wear Alta for a blissful marital life.
Women say it brings good fortune in their lives if they wear it.
Mahavar represents devotion, love and commitment.
Women associate Alta with femininity and fertility.
A Woman tells us the beautiful Alta makes her hands and feet glow.
Applying Alta on one’s feet can help one avoid evil eyes.
Alta acts as a shield of protection against evil powers.

Can unmarried Girls Wear Alta?

Unmarried Girls can wear Alta as a symbol of prosperity. They can wear them for the feminine aspect. If an unmarried girl applies Alta on her feet, it can bring her good fortune and remove delays in marriage. The other benefits are that it can bring good fortune and ward off negative energies if she applies Alta on her feet.

Benefits of Applying Alta on Feet: In Cultural Dances

Women and girls wear Alta on their feet in many cultural dances of India. It symbolises auspiciousness. There is a tradition to colour your feet red with Alta in cultural dance programmes. It makes the hands and feet of the dancers more attractive and dramatic. Wearing Alta on cultural dances- Mohininatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Bharatnatyam.

Indian Festivals Where We Apply Alta

There are various festivals where we apply Alta. It is used at the time of Mithun Sankranti and is celebrated in Odisha. This represents menstruation and womanhood. They apply Alta on their feet to symbolise prosperity and fertility. Durga Puja is a four-day religious festival. Bengali women wear Alta on their feet on that occasion. Alta on feet represents auspiciousness and femininity. Women like wearing it at festivals like Karva Chauth, Teej, Diwali, etc.

Modern Benefits of Applying Alta on Feet

We use different cosmetics these days. Most of them are harmful, and we experience their adverse effects more. The Mahavar, Alta, has been a fantastic Shringaar for men and women. Women do not suffer from its side effects if they apply it. Alta can heal your cracked heels.

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The Other Benefits of Alta

Let’s discuss other benefits of wearing Alta. Here are these:

Natural Alta prevents cracked heels. It nourishes and moisturises the skin.
It is helpful to soothe the skin. This protects the skin against external damage.
If you apply Alta, you will be protected from infections.
A scientific effect of Alta is that it cools the body. It works best in humid weather conditions.