The Hidden Power of 16 Shringar: How a Woman Aligns with the 9 Planets

What is the hidden power of 16 Shringar? Learn how these sacred adornments align a woman with the Navagraha.

In Sanatan tradition, beauty is never superficial. A woman’s adornment is deeply spiritual, scientific, and cosmic. In ancient times, the importance of 16 Shringar was more than just an outward appearance of beauty, but rather a means to harmonize one's energies physically, mentally, and spiritually with the nine planets (Navagraha). As described by Sanatangyan, these sacred adornments are used to channel the energetic vibrations of the planets into an individual's environment, thereby providing the wearer with balance, protection, confidence, and inner light.

The Connection Between a Woman's 16 Shringar and the 9 Planets

In the Hindu tradition, the 16 Shringar (also known as Shodasha Shringar) are believed to be directly connected to the Navagraha (navagraha means the nine planets). Each item worn serves as a conduit for positive energy and balance to be drawn into the daily life of a woman by way of the nine planets. The information about Shringar is discussed in the context of Sanatangyan, which tells us that even our "mundane" activities hold great significance cosmically and spiritually.

According to ancient texts (Shakshatra), when a woman adorns herself with conscious awareness, she is aligning her inner energies with the universal energy. As a result, it is customary to encourage the wearing of shringar during festivals, vrats, marriages, and spiritual rituals.

A well-known concept echoed by many sadhu and guru is reflected in the Sanskrit thought:

“यत् पिण्डे तत् ब्रह्माण्डे।”

What exists in the body also exists in the universe.

This verse beautifully explains how planetary energies influence human life through physical symbols like shringar.

Planetary Influence Through the 16 Shringar

Sun (Surya) – Red Attire

Red has consistently held a revered place in many cultures around the globe as either sacred or lucky because of its association with the Sun, and is symbolic of leadership, vitality, and self-confidence. The Sun represents the soul (Atma), and red clothing strengthens this inner fire.

 “आत्मा वै सूर्यः।” — Vedic Philosophy

The Sun expresses the soul itself.

This is why married women often wear red during sacred rituals—to invoke strength, dignity, and divine protection.

Moon (Chandra) – Bindi & Alta

By using both Bindi (the red dot worn in the centre of the forehead) and Alta (the red dye applied to the feet), we can calm down or sort out the negative emotional impact of the Moon, which is responsible for regulating an individual's mental stability and emotional well-being. Both of these decorative elements provide a person with the inner peace and emotional balance necessary to deal with the pressures of modern life.

“चन्द्रमा मनसो जातः” - (Rig Veda)

The Moon is born from the mind.

This explains why Moon-related shringar directly influence emotional well-being.

Mars (Mangal) – Sindoor & Bangles

Sindoor in the hair parting and bangles (choodiyaan) activate Mars, the planet of energy and protection. Mars blesses courage, vitality, and marital harmony. Shashtra often describe sindoor as a shield of energy around a woman.

Mercury (Budh) – Bangles

Choodiyaan also improve the Mercury's capability to harmonise intellectual thought, communication & decision-making. A calm Mercury provides the ability to express one's thoughts & communicate verbally with clarity & precision both verbally & written, an important principle within the Sanatan tradition.

Jupiter (Guru) – Mangtika

The mangtika (maang tikka) represents wisdom and spiritual discipline. Linked to Jupiter, it reminds one of righteous living, dharma, and blessings from a guru. Jupiter’s grace is considered essential for spiritual growth.

“गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः।”

The guru is the creator, preserver, and destroyer of ignorance.

Saturn (Shani) – Kajal

Kajal is believed to soothe Saturn, the planet of discipline and karma. By warding off negative energies, kajal helps reduce delays and hardships associated with Shani.

Venus (Shukra) – Nath, Jhumke, Payal & Fragrance

The planet Venus, or Shukra, represents all things associated with beauty, love, luxury, and abundance. Adornments such as Nath (nose ring), jhumke (earrings), payal (anklet), and natural perfumes increase Venus's influence over a person's life by attracting grace, love, and material wealth.

Rings – Sun or Saturn

Wearing rings on specific fingers helps balance either the Sun or Saturn, depending on placement. This practice is often advised by learned guru to reduce planetary dosha (afflictions).

Bichhiya (Toe Rings) – Moon or Venus

Toe rings stabilize the Moon or Venus, offering emotional grounding and hormonal balance. Ayurveda and shashtra both acknowledge their subtle impact on energy flow.

Kamarband (Waistband) – Discipline and Attraction

The Kamarbandh represents an attempt to improve the Self-Control, Posture & Attraction of the wearer, while representing the attributes of restraint & gracefulness that are highly regarded & celebrated within ancient Sashtras.

The 16 Shringars are not just pieces of jewellery, but rather represent the vehicle through which a woman aligns her body and spirit with the energy of the Navagraha. This alignment invites the blessings of balance, protection & Spiritual Harmony into their lives.