Mangalyam Thanthunanena…
In Tamil culture, the mangalyam, also known as the thali or mangalsutra, is a sacred thread that is tied around the bride's neck during the wedding ceremony. The mangalyam is an essential part of the Tamil wedding, and its historical significance can be traced back to ancient times.
The mangalyam is believed to have originated during the Tamil Sangam period, which lasted from 300 BCE to 300 CE. During this period, the mangalyam was a simple thread made of grass or leaves, and it was tied around the bride's neck by the groom as a symbol of their union. The thread was believed to have magical powers, and it was considered a way of protecting the bride from evil spirits.
Over time, the mangalyam evolved and became more elaborate. During the Chola period, which lasted from the 9th century to the 13th century CE, the mangalyam was made of gold and was adorned with precious stones. The Cholas were known for their love of gold, and the mangalyam became a symbol of the bride's family's wealth and status.
During the Nayak period, which lasted from the 16th century to the 18th century CE, the mangalyam became even more elaborate. It was often made of gold and was adorned with intricate designs and precious gems. The mangalyam was also used as a way of showcasing the groom's family's wealth and status.
Today, the mangalyam continues to be an essential part of Tamil weddings. The mangalyam is a symbol of the bride and groom's union, and it is considered a way of protecting the bride from evil spirits. The mangalyam is also a symbol of the bride's family's wealth and status, and it is often passed down through generations as a valuable family heirloom.
Let’s explore the different types of mangalyam that are commonly worn in Tamil weddings.
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Thirumangalyam: The thirumangalyam is the most traditional and common type of mangalyam. It is made of two gold pendants, each with a symbol of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, which are joined by a sacred thread. The thirumangalyam is a symbol of a long and happy married life and is usually passed down through generations as a family heirloom.
Ela mangalyam: The ela mangalyam is a modern variation of the thirumangalyam. It is made of a single gold pendant, usually in a circular or oval shape, with intricate designs and sometimes adorned with precious stones. The ela mangalyam is a popular choice among modern brides who want a more contemporary look.
Kaasu malai: The kaasu malai is a type of mangalyam that is made of gold coins. The coins are usually strung together with a sacred thread, and the number of coins varies depending on the family's preference. The kaasu malai is a symbol of the bride's family's wealth and status, and it is often worn as a statement piece.
Pustelu: Pustelu is a type of mangalyam that is common in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is made of a gold pendant in the shape of a lotus flower, with a sacred thread attached to it. The pustelu is a symbol of fertility and is worn by the bride to ensure a happy and prosperous married life.
Nagapadam: Nagapadam is a type of mangalyam that is popular in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is made of a gold pendant in the shape of a serpent or snake, with a sacred thread attached to it. The nagapadam is a symbol of protection and is worn by the bride to ward off evil spirits.
In the section above we saw broader classifications of Maangalyam. Taking one level deeper, below section discusses different kinds of Maangalyam used by various community people in Tamil Nadu.
Iyer mangalyam: Iyers are a Brahmin community in Tamil Nadu, and their mangalyam is unique in that it is made of a single gold chain with a pendant in the shape of a conch shell or shankha. The shankha is considered to be a sacred symbol in Hinduism, and the iyer mangalyam is a symbol of the bride's devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Iyengar mangalyam: Iyengars are another Brahmin community in Tamil Nadu, and their mangalyam is similar to that of the Iyers but with a slight difference. The Iyengar mangalyam is made of two gold chains with a pendant in the shape of a disc, with the image of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi engraved on it.
Kongu mangalyam: Kongu Vellalar is a community from the Kongu region in Tamil Nadu, and their mangalyam is unique in that it is made of nine gold beads, with a pendant in the shape of a conch shell. The nine beads represent the nine planets in Hindu astrology, and the mangalyam is a symbol of the bride's prosperity and good fortune.
Nadar mangalyam: Nadars are a community in Tamil Nadu known for their business acumen, and their mangalyam is made of a gold chain with a pendant in the shape of a leaf, with the image of Lord Muruga and Goddess Valli engraved on it. The nadar mangalyam is a symbol of the bride's prosperity and success in business.
Vanniyar mangalyam: Vanniyars are an agricultural community in Tamil Nadu, and their mangalyam is made of a gold chain with a pendant in the shape of a pair of hands, with the image of Lord Muruga and Goddess Valli engraved on it. The hands represent the bride and groom coming together in marriage, and the mangalyam is a symbol of their union and fertility.
In conclusion, the mangalyam is an essential part of Tamil weddings, and each caste has its own unique style of mangalyam that reflects their customs and traditions. Whether it is the shankha-shaped pendant of the Iyers, the disc-shaped pendant of the Iyengars, or the leaf-shaped pendant of the Nadars, the mangalyam is a symbol of the bride and groom's union and is a way of honoring the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
