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Significance of Anklet

Anklet, in various contexts, holds significant meaning across different traditions. In Jainism, it is known as kadaa or kataka and is primarily an ankle ornament, though sometimes depicted as a bracelet. Vaishnavism describes the anklet as beautiful jewelry enhancing the beauty of the legs. In the Puranas, it is referred to as manjira and nupura, specifically denoting ankle ornaments. Additionally, India's history highlights the anklet's role in emphasizing social disparities among certain groups.1
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In Dutch: Enkelbandje; In Finnish: Nilkkaremmi; In Spanish: °ä²¹±ô³¦±ð³Ùí²Ô; In German: ¹ó³Üß°ì±ð³Ù³Ù³¦³ó±ð²Ô

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Anklet'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, an anklet is a decorative jewelry piece worn on the ankles, symbolizing beauty and adornment, often made of beads or jewels, and referenced as manjira and nupura, enhancing both aesthetics and cultural significance.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) decorative jewelry worn around the ankles, often adding beauty to the legs.[1] (2) Ornaments worn around the ankles, described as being on His feet.[2]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) Ornaments that are worn around the ankles, typically made from beads or jewels.[3]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

Significance in Shilpashastra (iconography):
Shilpashastra Books

From: Manasara (English translation)

(1) Ornamental bands worn around the ankles, contributing to the adornment of the deities.[4] (2) Ornaments worn around the ankles.[5]

Shilpashastra represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Jain concept of 'Anklet'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, an anklet, or kadaa (kataka), symbolizes adornment typically worn on the ankles, but can also be depicted as a bracelet, reflecting both cultural significance and aesthetic value within the tradition.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Referred to as kadaa (kataka), this ornament is worn around the ankles, though it may also be represented as a bracelet.[6]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Plural form: Anklets.