Bharatvarsh is a colourful nation. Our land has always been rich with culture, traditions , and literature. We are the land of celebration, the land of culture, and the land of colours. All the cultures have their own flavour, but one thing is common in all of them. The saffron, which is called “bhagwa rang” in Hindi, has been given a significant place by all the diverse cultural groups of our nation. It is one constant in the mix culture of our nation. It is the Identity of Bharat.
Saffron colour represents fire and, therefore, it symbolizes burning of our impurities by achieving divine piousness. Fire burns away the darkness and brings light. It brings knowledge by burning the ignorance within us.
That’s why jñānīs like the Rishis, Munis, and Sannyasis wore clothes of saffron colour. Hindus in early Vedic period were Agni-Pujak. Later, saffron color which also represents Agni, got irreplaceable importance in our culture.
Historical value of the Saffron
In the early Vedic period, Vedic poeple mainly did puja of two devatas (viz. Indra & Agni). Since the Vedic people gave utmost importance on yajña, they might be inspired by the flames of fire which is close to the saffron color.
Buddhism has also given an important place to saffron colour in their culture. According to Hindu traditions, saffron colour helps us to get rid of shocks, nasty experiences, and trauma. It is drives person towards truth and moksha, giving freedom from desires.
It also symbolizes the liberation and knowledge. In India, saffron color has been synonymous to Hindu Dharma and culture. Rajputs fought battles with the flags of saffron colour. Sikhs use saffron colour in the background of their flags atop Nishan Saheb too. Marathas used saffron colour in their flags.
In the times when Hindus were following deities according to their faith, they were divided into many sects such as Vaishnavas, Shaivas, Shaktas, Smartas, Ganeshas etc.
Shankracharya and thousands of his disciples, wearing saffron clothes, established Hinduism at the peak level throughout the Indian map .On the other hand, the sadhus of different Akhadas wore saffron clothes too.
Many brave people fought against Christian and Muslim invaders to save Hindus from converting. If Hindus are safe from the conversion machinery of Islam and Christianity, it is because of the lakhs of sadhus of those akhadas who fought without caring about their lives. Many lives were sacrificed just to save the Hindus from conversion. They fought these battles while wearing saffron.
Their hands resisted every inch, even at the cost of their lives to protect Hinduism. Because of their selfless sacrifices for preservation and protection of Hinduism, saffron colour became synonymous with renunciation and sacrifice. A Hindu saint wearing saffron cloths does not think about himself but for the betterment of the society.
The colour saffron, which represents sacrifice, enlightenment and bravery, is an integral part of the Indian culture. It is the colour of the tales of our great warriors. Saffron is the colour of energy which flows in every Indian’s blood. It is the colour of Dusk and Dawn. It is the colour of Bharat.