Mauli Thread | Red & Yellow Colour Kalava Thread/ Mouli Thread/ Yagna Thread for Pooja

Mauli or Kalava threads are profound symbols of identity in Hinduism. Mauli is a sanskrit word, which means crown or above all. In Hindu tradition Lord Shiva is known as ChandraMauli because he has a crescent moon on His matted head.

In India, Mauli threads have different names in diverse cultures. They are known as Kalava, Rakshasutra, Mouri, Kautuka, and Charadu. They are sanctified and made from cotton yarns. Maulis are mostly a combination of red and yellow threads. Red is a representation of long life and protection against evil forces. It also has the property to stimulate the spiritual energy conveyed by the yellow thread.

Usually, an elder member of a family or the priest ties the Mauli before or after a religious ceremony. It is essential to spin the thread seven times before tying it on the wrist. A devotee would offer Mauli to a deity to enhance its positive energy and to ward off any evil forces. A priest would then tie the Mauli with three knots on the devotee's wrist with the palm facing up.

In Hinduism, Ardhanarishwara is a composite image of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Lord Shiva is on the right side, and Parvathi Devi is on the left side of Ardhanarishwara. Here, Shiva and Parvathi are the representations of Purusha and Prakriti (the universal protective shields). Men wear Mauli threads on their right wrist, and women on their left, to invoke the protective powers of Purusha and Prakriti. Similarly, in Hindu temples, the idols of God are on the right side and that of Goddesses on the left side.

Religious Significance: Mauli threads have a lot of religious significance. They are known to ward off negative energy, dangers, and diseases. They aid us in receiving blessings from the deity and enhance our lives with positivity. Mauli threads are also known as Rakhi. Sisters tie them on the wrists of their brothers as a knot of love and protection. It is commonly known as Raksha Bandhan.

Religious references of the mauli thread:

• In his incarnation as Vamana, Lord Vishnu tied a sacred Mauli thread on the right wrist of King Bali before sending him to the netherworld. This act was intended to grant King Bali immortality. Following this tradition, devotees tie Mauli threads to seek longevity and good health.
• In the epic Mahabharata, Kunti Devi tied a Mauli on the right wrist of her son Abhimanyu as a protective charm. He remained undefeated in battle while wearing the sacred thread. However, when a rat—sent by Lord Krishna—bit through the thread, Abhimanyu lost his divine protection and was ultimately defeated in war.
• The significance of Mauli is also emphasized in the Atharvaveda Samhita (section 2.11), where it is regarded as a powerful ritual thread.
• Tying a Mauli on Anant Chaturdashi is considered highly auspicious. It is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and overall well-being to those who observe the ritual with devotion.

Tying a Mauli thread is believed to invoke the blessings of both the Tridevas (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) and the Tridevis (Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga). Each deity bestows unique blessings: Brahma grants fame, Vishnu protects from negative forces, and Shiva removes obstacles. Goddess Saraswati blesses devotees with wisdom and knowledge, Lakshmi brings prosperity and wealth, and Durga empowers individuals to overcome life’s challenges. By wearing a Mauli thread, one is believed to attract the divine grace of these deities into their life.