Why is Saffron important in Hinduism?
Why do Hindus mostly wear or use the colour orange … to be more specific, saffron? What’s the meaning? Here’s the tea!
Like almost every practice, mantra or ritual in Sanatan Dharma, the things we’re taught by our gurus & rishis are actually just symbols or markers to remind us of our purpose, which is serving God & going higher to attain freedom from the cycle of life & death.
In this way, saffron is the colour of the rising Sun, Savitr, so it stands for a new beginning & new day, giving us hope to pursue our new journey in life regardless of our past.
Saffron also stands for fire, agni, which is holy in Hinduism because it is all-cleansing, so in a way, we’re saying that we’re killing or surrendering our own ego, self-interest, & material desires to help others with our kindness, which is the easiest & most practical way to achieve moksha or salvation.
When someone’s wearing saffron, they’re reminding themselves & others that they’re here to serve people.
That’s why Bhagwa comes from the word Bhagwan, which is God. And if you’re calling it kesari, it comes from the word kesar, which is mixed with milk to give it flavour & this symbolizes that we crush our ego to lend flavour & meaning to the people who need our help.
So don’t let anyone tell you Bhagwa is violent or wrong - wear it with pride.