The Mangalsutra or the Mangala Sutra is worn all over India and neighboring countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka. This gold ornament is a chain worn around the neck and traditional gold Mangalsutra designs are quite conspicuous for the combination of a resplendent gold pendent hanging from a gold chain that also features black beads. Wearing the Mangalsutra is a practice that is predominant among Hindu women however many Christian women in multiple regions of India also wear the Mangalsutra. This traditional pendant set has been worn by women all over India for centuries hence it’s only fair that we probe further into the symbolic significance and variations of this ornament.
Significance
Literally translated as “auspicious thread”, the Mangalsutra is not only an indication of marital status but also worn for the long life of husbands. The Mangalsutra is first put around the bride’s neck by the groom during the wedding ritual as dictated by Manusmriti and a married woman wears this ornament for the remainder of a marriage. Unlike other ornaments that are taken off at some point or the other. A woman will often wear the Mangalsutra, taking it off very seldom for cleaning or repairing. A married woman is generally careful not to be seen without the Mangalsutra and will only take it off for a negligible amount of time.
Various Traditional Mangalsutra Designs
There are various traditional Mangalsutra designs and they often vary according to different regions of India. The most common variation of the Mangalsutra is the Lakshmi Thaali which is worn all over the country. The pustelu Mangalsutra is worn by Telegus of Andhra Pradesh, Malayalees are known to wear the Ela Thaali or the Minnu while the Kumbha Thaali is worn by the Tamils. These are just few prominent examples of Mangalsutra variations. There are definitely more.
Significance
Literally translated as “auspicious thread”, the Mangalsutra is not only an indication of marital status but also worn for the long life of husbands. The Mangalsutra is first put around the bride’s neck by the groom during the wedding ritual as dictated by Manusmriti and a married woman wears this ornament for the remainder of a marriage. Unlike other ornaments that are taken off at some point or the other. A woman will often wear the Mangalsutra, taking it off very seldom for cleaning or repairing. A married woman is generally careful not to be seen without the Mangalsutra and will only take it off for a negligible amount of time.
Various Traditional Mangalsutra Designs
There are various traditional Mangalsutra designs and they often vary according to different regions of India. The most common variation of the Mangalsutra is the Lakshmi Thaali which is worn all over the country. The pustelu Mangalsutra is worn by Telegus of Andhra Pradesh, Malayalees are known to wear the Ela Thaali or the Minnu while the Kumbha Thaali is worn by the Tamils. These are just few prominent examples of Mangalsutra variations. There are definitely more.
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