Sanskar Bharti

 The rangolis were not only adoration and ornamentation of the earth which sustains us, but equally a ritual invocation of the Gods for acquiring their blessings, thus making these floor designs a visual prayer created on the earth. Drawn with rice powder, lime or chalk, the process of creation is as important as the finished form. The designs drawn thus on the floor have a magical power and presence. They were used as welcoming signs at the entrance of the house, for a guest must be welcomed with grace and elegance. Beauty being equated with godliness, it was also the symbol of good omen and therefore is associated with every phase of life. These universal patterns and symbols were created and revered during rituals.

 Visual styles and motifs used in rangolis:

Examining the visual styles of the rangolis and some of the commonly used motifs across the country gives one insights to their existence and context.

The rangoli designs can be divided into two main categories based on appearance and regional application i.e. the ones drawn in the mountain terrains and the others in the plains and the fertile regions of the country. 

Akrriti Pradhan (geometry based) rangolis are practiced in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra while in Bengal and Bihar Vallari Pradhan (floral based) rangolis are practised. Akriti Pradhan designs are found predominantly in mountain terrains where as Vallari Pradhan designs were predominantly found in the Gangetic plains respectively. Distinct from these two major categories, there is another group of rangoli designs in the South, which is ‘floral – geometrical’. The floral designs are usually connected with the socio—religious practices, while the geometric designs are connected to a central motif concerning a particular deity.

Sanskar Bharati rangoli are very popular type of rangoli in Maharashtra. It is made up of holy signs based on  hindu values and culture. Let us know about the importance of these holy signs.

Signs used in Sanskar Bharti

Bindu/Dot: In the rangoli elements, the bindu or the point, symbolizes the origin from which everything emanates, and into which everything merges. 

Trikona/Triangle: The trikona, a triangle, represents the male and female principles operating in the universe. The catuskona, a square, represents stability.

Square / Chaukona: Square depicts completeness. Square is an important element as per vstushastra as an indicator of complete family or house.

Pancakona: The pancakona, the pentagon, is the symbol of the five elements, earth, air, fire, water and ether.

Shatkona: The shatkona, the six-pointed star or hexagram, is the male and female triangle symbols interposed, and is often used to worship the goddess Lakshmi.

Astakona: The astakona, octagon, is the symbol of protection, assigned to the god Vishnu. The chakra, or circle, symbolizes life and growth. 

Gopadma: Gopadma is a commonly used sign in  Sanskar Bharati rangoli, which indicates footsteps of cow. Cow is a holy animal as per hindu religon. Hindu's respect and worship cow as god. Therefore this sign is very important in  Sanskar Bharati rangoli.

Conch Shell: Conch shell is also considered as a holy sign in hindu culture. It is an ancient tradition to put conch shell in sanskar bharti  rangoli.

Swastik: The swastik, or swastika, is the symbol of four cardinal points, or the cycle of the sun, symbol of Brahma, symbol of Buddha, and good luck, and is frequently depicted in floor decorations.

Swastik as a central element in rangoli

Snake (Snake lines): In Hindu theology the earth is revered as the most sacred - as a nourisher, giver, sustainer and a protector. It is also adoringly referred to as mother earth and venerated in many different ways; hence the rangolis are made on the floor. Also of all the creatures that live underground, the snakes known as Nagas are of great significance to the Hindus. A universal symbol, the snake is a complex symbol, simultaneously linked with life and death, light and darkness, good and evil, venom and cure, preservation and destruction. A Vedic lore says that Nagas once rolled on grass on which Amrit, the nectar of immortality was once kept. Hence they have the ability like the earth to renew their fertility by replacing old skin with new. So they are revered as symbols of change, renewal and regeneration and are worshiped for progeny, prosperity and health. See how to draw snake lines.

Lotus – Lotus associated with god Brahma as it is his favorite flower. Vishnu and goddess  Lakshmi are also associated with lotus. Lotus – the flower associated with both these deities, symbolises all the best things that can emerge from the mire of life. This is used with four, five, eight, nine, ten, sixteen or thirty-two petals as per the design requirement. All these numbers also have some occult significance.

Kalash: The pot, representing the container of personal wealth is also a popular motif. A pot represents wealth that is contained within the confines of civilization. It is not free wealth that exists in nature, but that which has been claimed. Purna Kumbha as it is also known is an ancient Hindu symbol that represents the pregnant mother goddess, a deity worshipped as harbinger of good—fortune and fertility and is regarded as an auspicious symbol. See how to draw kalash.

The designs used in rangolis are symbolic and common to the entire country, and can include along with the geometrical patterns of lines, dots, squares, circles, triangles also the swastika, lotus, trident, fish, conch shell, motifs from nature- peacocks, swans, mango shapes, creepers, leaves, trees, flowers, animals and anthropomorphic figures.