The auspiciousness of gold in our lives

Regal and radiant, gold forms an integral part of Indian culture, history, and mythology. Ancient epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata make elaborate references to gold as a symbol of auspiciousness that ushers in good fortune, prosperity, and abundance.

The colour of positivity and healing

Gold is a pleasing yellow, one that naturally seems to radiate positive vibrations. If we were to make a correlation with nature, the sun, from which all life originates, radiates the same golden yellow rays. Turmeric, a popular Indian medicinal root, is also a golden yellow and is reputed to heal diseases and make one’s skin glow. Fire, a symbol of purity in various religions, burns with a magnificent golden flame. Golden-hued elements are believed to impact humanity positively.

A symbol of purity

An interesting comparison of gold with the soul or Atman is worthy of mention. Ancient Indian philosophy considers the soul to be the purest form of life. Once life perishes, the soul is liberated from bodily clutches. Similarly, upon dropping a piece of gold into the fire, the impurities on its surface dissolve away, leaving a mass of pure gold behind. In the Ramayana, Lord Ram installed a golden statue of Sita, as a mark of her purity.

A sign of prosperity and abundance

The Hindu Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, is associated with gold. According to Hinduism, the flow of gold symbolises prosperity in a household. This stems from ancient beliefs, where demons hoarded gold, while the Gods or divine beings considered it auspicious to give it away to their kith and kin as gifts. The flow of gold is likened to flowing water that nurtures the life of plants and animals around it, representing abundance. The ability to give away priceless gold also helps one practice the virtue of detachment.

An important part of auspicious occasions

The ushering in of important events often involves gold in one form or another. During the birth of a child, the first present to the newborn is usually a chain or a pendant made of gold, denoting how precious and delicate new life is. Affluent families gift gold to select guests to continue the flow. At a wedding, the bride is adorned in gold as jewellery and also to be blessed with the purity and auspiciousness of gold which is considered to bring good luck in the newly married couple. The groom and relatives wear gold as well.

Festivals and occasions to buy gold

Akshaya Tritiya and Dhanteras are considered auspicious days to purchase gold, as it is believed to increase one’s good fortune manifold. Contrarily, an occasion without gold appears lacklustre, as any event without the presence of this age-old symbol of auspiciousness feels incomplete.