Mangalasutra

A mangala sutra (Sanskrit: मङ्गलसूत्रम्, romanized: maṅgalasūtram), or tali (ISO: tāḷi), is a necklace worn by married Hindu women. During a Hindu wedding, the mangalasutra is tied around the neck of the bride by the groom. The ceremony is known as the Mangalya Dharanam (Sanskrit for 'wearing the auspicious').

A mangalsutra is a sacred necklace worn by married Hindu women in India, symbolizing their marital status and commitment to their husbands. It's considered a symbol of love, commitment, and divine blessings. The word "mangalsutra" is derived from Sanskrit, where "mangal" means auspicious and "sutra" means thread. Mangalsutras are sometimes passed down through generations as cherished family heirlooms, connecting mothers, daughters, and granddaughters. 

The mangalsutra is tied around the bride's neck by the groom during the Hindu wedding ceremony, signifying their union. It represents the eternal bond between husband and wife, and is typically worn throughout the woman's lifetime. The mangalsutra is believed to protect the husband and family, and it's also seen as a source of divine blessings. 

Mangalsutras vary in design and materials across different regions and communities in India. Traditionally, they consist of black beads strung on a yellow or black thread, often with a gold pendant. Black beads are believed to absorb and deflect negative energy, providing protection to the wearer and her family. 

Mangalasutra literally means "an auspicious thread" 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. The necklace serves as a visual marker of marital status.

The tying of the mangala sutra is a common practice in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. 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. While traditional designs are still prevalent, modern variations of mangalsutras incorporate diamonds and other precious stones. 

History

The mangala sutra's origin dates back to the 4th century BCE, referred to as the mangalya sutra in the Lalita Sahasranama, and the Purananuru, a Sangam text, mentions a sacred marriage tali upon a woman's neck. 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 concept of mangala sutra has evolved over centuries, and has become an integral part of marriages among several Indian communities. Historian of Indian jewellery, Usha Balakrishnan, explains that the mangala sutra had previously referred to a literal thread as opposed to an item of jewellery.

The significance of the mangala sutra is described by Adi Shankara in the Soundarya Lahari. According to Hindu tradition, the mangala sutra is worn for the long life of the husband. As told by religious customs and social expectations, married women should wear mangala sutra throughout their life as it is believed that the practice enhances the well-being of her husband. Bridal jewellery in ancient times also worked as a financial security against old age and widowhood, even though women did have property rights.

Designs

Mangala sutras are made in a variety of designs. The common ones are the Lakshmi tali worn by the Telugus of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, which contain images of Lakshmi, the goddess of auspiciousness, ela tali or minnu worn by the Malayalees of Kerala, and the Kumbha tali worn by the Tamils of the Kshatriya caste in Tamil Nadu. The design is chosen by the groom's family according to prevalent customs. Gujaratis and Marwaris from Rajasthan often use a diamond pendant in a gold chain which is merely ornamental in nature and is not a substitute to the mangala sutra in the traditional sense. Marathis of Maharashtra wear a pendant of two vati ornaments shaped like tiny bowls. The mangala sutra of the Kannadigas of Karnataka is similar to that of the Marathis, except that it usually has one vati. Nowadays many fashion-conscious families opt for lighter versions, with a single vati or a more contemporary style.

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, 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.

Non-Hindu religious groups such as Syrian Christians also wear mangala sutra, but with a cross on it.

Meaning

The significance of the mangalsutra was reiterated by Adi Shankara in his famous book Soundarya Lahari. According to Hindu tradition, the mangasutra is worn throughout the long life of the husband. In accordance with religious customs and social expectations, married women are expected to wear the mangalsutra throughout their lives, as this practice is believed to enhance the well-being of their husbands. In ancient times, bridal jewelry also served as a financial guarantee against old age and widowhood, even though women had property rights.

According to tradition, the mangalsutra symbolizes the inseparable bond between a husband and wife. During the wedding ceremony, the groom, while performing the ritual act of tying the ties of the mangalsutra around the bride's neck, pronounces, "Long may you live wearing this sacred mangalsutra, you who are the reason for my existence."

Married women are required to wear the Mangalsutra throughout their lives, as it is believed to improve the well-being of their husbands and family, but it cannot be displayed in public. The Mangalsutra is also believed to protect the marriage from all harm. A Hindu marriage is therefore incomplete without the Mangalsutra.

Furthermore, the three knots symbolize three different aspects of a married woman: the first knot represents obedience to her husband, the second to her parents, and the third represents her respect for her God.

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