Chottanikkara Vasiya kungkumam

Kumkum, a red powder often applied during religious rituals and ceremonies, symbolizes purity, auspiciousness, and devotion, and is also seen as a symbol of blessings and prosperity. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Purity and Auspiciousness: Kumkum, particularly the red color, is associated with purity and auspiciousness in Hindu traditions. 

• Devotion and Spirituality: It's used in religious ceremonies and rituals as a form of devotion to the gods, enhancing spiritual energy and invoking blessings. 

• Marital Status (Sindoor): In some regions, red kumkum (also known as sindoor) is specifically associated with the marital status of women, applied to the parting of their hair. 

• Protection: Some believe that kumkum wards off negative energies.