History Shri Charan Shri Kati Shri Hast Shri Kanth Shri Mastak
Shringar in sanskrit means to get ready.In the shringar sewa we ready Shriji for the day ahead as any mother would do to her child.We do the shringar of Shriji according to the sewa pranalika of that day.The shringar may vary from day to day depending on the importance of that day.There are different kinds of shringar for each utsav (occassion). Generally only the shringar of Shri Mastak (head) change depending on the utsav.
Pagh-Chandrika and Gunja mala is the most basic shringar.The large variety of shringars that we see today were not started by Shri Mahaprbhuji,during his time the only shringar were that of pagh-chandrika.It was Shri Gusainji who introduced most of the shringars that we see today.This is one of the reasons why Shrinathji has accepted the shringar of pagh-chandrika as his favourite.Even on the patotsav of Shrinathji the shringar is of pagh-chandrika though generally on such a large utsav the shringar of Jod-Kulah are done.
There are many different types of Shringars in Pushtimarg. We shall start the shringars from charanarvind (feet) of Shriji's and end on Shri Mastak :
Payal : Payal are small malas which have small latkaniyas (hanging stones) hanging at regular intervals. There are always two payals in a set.
Noopur : Noopur are shaped just as the payals, the only difference is that the latkaniyas produce a sweet sound like the ghunghroos of a dancer.
Choora : The Choora is offered to Shriji on utsavs and it has a different shape. It can be made from gold or it can consist of precious jewels which are studded into a small bracelet like ornament. It also has latkaniyas at the bottom.
Kati Mekhala : An ornament known as the Kati mekhala or Khusdra-Ghantika is present at the Kati (waist) of Shriji. It is made of precious stones making up a necklace-like shape, it also has latkaniyas at regular intervals. (Note : The vaishnavas doing chitra-sewa do not need this shringar as it is not possible to offer it to the Chtiraji.)
Kada : The Kadas are shaped like bangles (cut into half) and can be made from gold or can be studded with stones. They are present at the wrists of each hand of Shriji.(In sewa of chitraji this shape is different.)
Baju-bandh : The baju-bandh is present on the biceps of Shriji. The shape of a baju-bandh can differ slightly, though the general of a baju is of a stone encircled by pearls (moti).
Kanth-abharan : A necklace consisting of two rows of pearls with a pendent in the middle is known as Kanth-Abharan.
Shri-Kanth ki mala : After kanth-abharan 3-4 small malas are present which almost touch the Kati in height. These malas are called Shri Kanth ki mala
Everyday more or less the above mentioned shringars remain the same but the shringar of Shri Mastak change as per the importance of each day. There are many different shringars but we write the name of only those that are well-known : 1. Pag 2. Dumala 3. Fenta 4. Kulah 5. Mukut 6. Tipara