Henna

Henna in Indian Mythology
Shiva’s consort – Parvati – would decorate herself with Henna in order to please him. He responded to her charms and being a very difficult husband to please, earned mehndi the association of irresistible sensual allure. In addition is it thought to placate the Gods and ingratiate the adorned woman and protect her and her family. In particular lakshmî, the Goddess of prosperity dwells in henna designs and women who paint their hands and feet with henna will feel Lakshmî ’s presence and earn her favour. However Lakshmî will be affronted if the woman does not respect the custom of Henna and serious consequences will follow!

Shringar is a Hindi word that means ‘beauty of a woman’s creativity’ and henna is one of the ways in which an Indian woman expresses this power of beauty beneath the surface. The ‘Solar Shringar’ lists henna amongst the 16 adornments of a woman and the Kama Sutra describes henna tattooing as one of the 64 arts of women.