In Hindu weddings, the Thaali/Mangalyam conveys great significance in the existence of
Hindu Brides and is viewed as perhaps the sacred traditions. While we term it as
'Thirumangalyam' in South India, it is known as the Mangalsutra in the North. In contrast to
different ornaments, Thaali is of great ceremonial significance. The holy thread represents the
importance of a Hindu marriage.
So what does the Thaali stand for?
The Thirumangalyam is a mark of love, respect, and dignity and is introduced to the spouse
by her better half at the auspicious hour of the marriage day.
Do you know where did Thaali tradition begin? Let’s take a look.
In the eleventh century, the writer Katchiyappa Sivachariar referred to thaali for the 1st time
in his book Kanthapuram! From that point onwards, thaali was accepted to have come into
tradition. In North India, the Mangalsutra is a black and gold beaded accessory.
You must have seen the golden part of the chain, this represents Goddess Parvati, and the
black beads symbolize Lord Shiva. Before the Thaali tradition started, women wore a
Kungumam on their forehead and men wore rings on the toe. In early times, Thaali was worn
simply by Hindus, and later Christians began wearing thaali. It is believed that thaali
represents the union of the husband and the wife and also protects them from evil. Thaali is
generally worn with a gold chain commonly known as saradu or “manja kayiru” in most
circumstances, the Thaali is brought from the groom’s side.
Now let's look at the different elements of the Thaali and what they mean!
As per the customs, the Thaali includes golden coins, golden roundels, corals, and bottu.
They may also include elements like the sun, moon, shivlinga, Goddess Meenakshi, Thulasi,
etc. as part of the design.
How heavy is a Thaali you ask? A Thaali generally weighs between 4 to 8 grams which is
made of 22 karats or 18 karat gold. So what about people who cannot afford gold? In such
cases, the groom ties a turmeric Thaali which is tied to the Manja Kayiru and considered as a
Thirumangalyam. The irony is that the Thaali should be worn in such a way that it is not
visible. India is a land of diversity and the same applies in the case of the Thaali designs as
well!
Here's an interesting twist to the tradition. The traditional Thirumangalyam doesn’t have
stones studded in it, but now young brides are opting for diamond-studded Thaali for their
wedding. This is in line with the changing social norm surrounding the wearing of Thaali.
To buy a different style traditional Mangalyam/ Thaali, click the link - *sumangali jewellers
link*
Sumangali jewellers is one the premier destination for Thaalis. They have won the National
Award twice for Bridal wedding collections. So the best place that we would suggest you to
go and buy the traditional yet trendy designs is Sumangali Jewellers.
