Mangala sutra
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A mangala sutra (
The mangala sutra's origin dates back to the 4th century BCE, referred to as the mangalya sutra in the Lalita Sahasranama,[2][3] and the Purananuru, a Sangam text, mentions a sacred marriage tail upon a woman's neck.[4] It also finds a mention in the 6th century CE as a single yellow thread that was tied around the bride for protection from other men and evil spirits. The tying of the mangala sutra is a social practice widespread in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Overview
Mangala sutra literally means "an auspicious thread"[5] that is knotted around the bride's neck and is worn by her for the remainder of her marriage. It is usually a necklace with black beads strung from a black or yellow thread prepared with turmeric. Sometimes gold, white or red beads are also added to the mangala sutra, depending on regional variation. It is a symbol of marriage worn by women. The idea of sacred thread existed for centuries, even going back to the Sangam period. But the nature of these auspicious threads has evolved over time and varies widely according to various communities. Non-Hindu religious groups such as Syrian Christians also wear mangala sutra, but with a cross on it. There are many communities in India, among whom the mangala sutra seems to be absent, and other forms of marital tokens have taken their place. For example, in large parts of North India, the toe ring and glass bangles indicate the marital status of a woman.
Historian of Indian jewellery, Usha Balakrishnan, explains that the practice of ritualistically adorning the bride with a mangala sutra to solemnise marriage, is a modern concept, made possible due to marketing strategies of businesses. She also says that,
“There was no concept in ancient India of a marriage being solemnised through a mangala sutra as we know of it today with diamonds, pendants and the like,”[6]
The concept of mangala sutra has evolved over centuries, and has become an integral part of marriages among several Indian communities.
Significance
The significance of the mangala sutra was re-iterated by
In different languages
- Tamil: தாலி, romanized: tali or மாங்கல்யம், mangalyam
- English: nuptial chain
- Sinhala: තැල්ල, romanized: thella
- romanized: mongolsutro
- Marathi: मंगळसूत्र, romanized: mangala sutra
- Kannada: ಮಾಂಗಲ್ಯ ಸೂತ್ರ, romanized: mangalyasutra or ತಾಳಿ, tali
- romanized: tali or మాంగళ్యము, mangalyamu, or మంగళసూత్రము, mangalasutramu, or పుస్తెలు, pustelu
- romanized: tali
- Odia: ମଙ୍ଗଳସୂତ୍ର, romanized: mangalasutra
Konkani people (Goans, Mangaloreans, Bombay East Indians and others, including Hindus) wear three necklaces around their necks, referred to as dharemani or muhurtmani (big golden bead), mangalasutra with one or two gold discs and kasitali with gold and coral beads. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions, the two coin-sized gold discs are separated by 2-3 beads of different kinds. By tradition, one disc comes from the bride's family and another from the groom's side.[8]
Designs
Mangala sutras are made in a variety of designs. The common ones are the Lakshmi tali worn by the
, except that it usually has two vatis. Nowadays many fashion-conscious families opt for lighter versions, with a single vati or a more contemporary style.Gallery
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A traditional Mangalasutra in used in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
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A mangala sutra with a cross of 21 beads used by the Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala.
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A Ganesha mangala sutra
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A lotus mangala sutra
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A coconut tree mangala sutra
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A mangala sutra of the Gounda community
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A mangala sutra of the Vanniyar community
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A mangala sutra with images of Lakshmi
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A mangala sutra with 21 beads used for Christian weddings
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Mangalasutra of Vokkaliga Gowdar community in Tamil Nadu
See also
References
- ^ Subhamoy Das. "Mangalsutra Necklace - Hindu Symbol of Love & Marriage". About.com Religion & Spirituality. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
- ^ Tagare 1958a.
- ^ Rocher 1986, p. 157, with footnotes
- ^ "Poem: Purananuru - Part 127 by George L. III Hart". www.poetrynook.com.
- ISBN 978-0-8078-3475-6.
- ^ a b "How the concept of Mangal Sutra has evolved over the centuries". The Indian Express. 5 November 2021. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
- ISBN 978-0-19-535064-7.
- ^ "Mangalsutra From Different States of India". KuberBox Jewellery Blog. 27 May 2016. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
Works cited
- ISBN 3-447-02522-0.
- Tagare, G. V. (1958a). The Brahmanda Purana. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt.
Sources
- "An Ornament of Beauty," by Ganesh Joshi published in Woman's Era, January 2007.