7 Steps to a perfect Mangalsutra (Thaali Chain)

Finding it difficult to find the perfect Thaali/Mangalsutra for an upcoming wedding. Well good for you, you arrived at the right place.

You have a lot on your plate right now: need to shop for clothes, choose the perfect jewelry, finalize the wedding venue, pick a photographer, and much more.

Most of the time, certain angles are neglected when you are choosing a Mangalsutra. But don’t stress, We’ll walk you, step by step on how to choose an ideal Mangalsutra in 7 Steps.

Step 1: Know your Cultural Specifications:

India is a country with diverse cultures and heritage. Hence, it is important that you know what cultural qualifications you need. Based on cultural significance, people have different requirements. If you aren’t aware? Then talk to your parents and in-laws to get their thoughts on the cultural requirements.

For Example: For a Tamil Bride, Thaali comes in different shapes and forms, related to mythology or based on one’s family customs. The imprints on the Thaali represent the family deity such as Tulsi plant, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Meenakshi. Most Thaali weighs around 4-5 grams of gold. There are infinite possibilities. Just by getting the basic requirements right, you can customize the rest according to your style and personality.

Step #2: Consider a Clever Mangalsutra Design:

A clever Mangalsutra design is a design that looks food with both traditional and non-traditional outfits. If a design is too traditional it will not go well with casual or office wear. With time, the mangalsutra designs have evolved and there are more modern and elegant designs. 

How do you choose such a design. Simply follow 3 tips:

1. The overall size of the Mangalsutra should not be too big or too small.

2. The Pendent: Make sure it’s Simple and Bold. Try avoiding too many patterns.

3. The use of Stones: by using diamonds, gemstones or pearls you can have a more flexible design. 

https://sumangalijewellers.com/product/gold-mangalyam-1/

Step #3: How to Choose the Perfect Chain Length:

It’s remarkably important to pick the correct chain length. Nowadays, women love wearing longer chains as it looks modern and fashionable. It is important to measure your neck size before placing a custom order. 

Step #4: Pick The Mangalsutra Pendant Your Style:

It’s very important to pick a pendant that will suit your personality and will make you feel good and confident. A diamond Mangalsutra is a flexible choice. You can also get a little creative by combining diamonds with gemstones. Always remember to pick a pendant design that suits your personality, and will make you feel great.

Step #5: Decide on the Precious Metal:

Yellow gold and white gold are two common options most of us are aware of. But, there are a lot of other exciting options like a dual-tone such as Rose gold. We think it’s a perfect metal for a mangalsutra to be Rose gold as it signifies bliss and romance.. A dual-tone is a perfect option as it will match most of your outfits and other accessories.

Step #6: Fix Your Budget:

After selecting your Cultural requirements, design preferences, pendant style, and metal, you have to determine your budget. Weddings can be expensive, and it’s important to have a budget. But Mangalsutra is something you will be carrying with you for the rest of your life. 

It’s going to act as a symbol of love for your life. So, how much you want to spend will be helpful for you and your designer as well. Also, a well-made Mangalsutra will be passed onto future generations.

You can buy your Mangalsutra online but make sure your specifications and requirements are well met. Buying Mangalsutra in a retail shop is highly preferred as you can take a look at a wide variety and also know more about the metal and mainly enjoy the process!!

Step #7: Where to Buy Your Mangalsutra:

Make sure you do enough research on online platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram, and Google to find good and latest designs. Make sure you buy from a trusted store. A store that accepts a return policy is something we would also encourage you to ask about. It’s best in case you’re not happy with the piece.

Also, make sure you pay attention to every small detail - chain’s quality, the stone’s quality, the hooks in the back, etc. 

That’s all folks. Keep these steps in mind and we assure you, you’ll have the most culturally rich and trendy Mangalsutra in town. 

Now, as a bonus tip let us suggest you one of our favorite jewelry stores, Sumangali Jewellers known for its Thaali or Mangalsutra designs and chains. With unique collections and customized Jewellery. Best choice for both Traditional and Modern Style. You can also buy jewellery Online and at stores!

https://sumangalijewellers.com/

So, don’t forget to check the Sumangali Jewellers Store, and share it with every bride to be.

Modern Arranged Marriages

 In India, when men and women are expected to get married after they reach a certain age, there is a fear that they might not find the right partner or a partner at all. It is 2021, but this perception still holds true across caste, class, and communities. The biological clock, of course, plays an important role in itself.

 

According to statistics, India holds about 90 percent of the total number of arranged marriages each year. Arranged married couples uphold cultural and religious traditions. Also, couples live a long healthy married life, and such marriages end less frequently. 

 

When we think of arranged marriage, we all picture it as the bride and groom meet at the mandapam for the first time, while the modern take has more negotiation. While the family influence is still crucial, it is often the family choosing the potential partner. But the power of final say is given to the bride and groom.

 

Let’s look at the modern take on traditions.

 

Nowadays, since men and women are becoming more expressive about their choices, arranged marriages in India have been witnessing an evolution of sorts. While parents initiate the process in most cases and cultural ways, it is their children who make the final decision, this is what it is called the modern arranged marriage or semi-arranged marriage.

 

Besides, the prevalence of matrimonial websites such as Kalyanamalai empowers young Indians who live in India or America to become more self-reliant and connect with traditional values. With the web and social and economic globalization, single Indians have the opportunity to find their future companions. At last, when Indians arrive at an eligible age, these hopeful ladies and grooms cooperate, as a method of becoming acquainted with one another before marriage. This is a major change from the customs of training previously, which regularly elaborate an administered meeting between the prospective bride and the groom and several meetings between their families.

 

In the modern arranged marriage set-up, it’s not just the respective parents but also men and women who articulate their preferences too. The traditional groom usually looks for a wife who is “good-looking, well-educated, polished, and has a proper social circle.” Besides, the woman wants to work after marriage to balance them.

 

But, some things haven’t changed!

 

Horoscopes matching is one of the most important factors in India. Its 2021 and still, horoscopes are taken into consideration before moving ahead with a marriage proposal. Matching horoscopes are still of immense value. Not just parents, but nowadays millennials also opt for horoscope consultations on the website.

 

Educational qualification matters too. The traditional groom and bride generally expect their potential partner to have similar academic qualifications. This is because they will have a similar outlook on things like education and the importance of it to their children, similar world views, values, etc.

 

The best part of  arranged marriages is a better way to rediscover your roots and culture. The elaborate rituals before arranged marriages, the rituals during the marriage, and post-marriage ceremonies bring to the fore culture and practices that have been in practice for generations.

 

In arranged marriages, there is a great deal of support from two families, and whether you like it or not, everybody has a stake in the success of your marriage. When things get challenging with your married life, you have the option of seeking advice and you have a huge family by your side.

 

The main purpose of arranged marriages is to strengthen the culture and continue the family line and traditions. Other purposes may include greater financial stability, better lifestyle, better social status, companionship, love and so much more!

 

Matrimony services such as ours, have a family of 5 Lakh Happily married couples, and more than 5 Thousand Exclu

sive members. Couples with different and modern expectations are fulfilled and are now happy and in a healthy married life.

Importance and Significance of Pradosham

 Pradosham is a popular Hindu fasting (vrat) that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess

Parvati. Pradosha puja is observed on the 13th day of the lunar calendar also known as

Trayodashi of the Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha. Hence, Pradosam comes twice every

month. Pradosham literally means the removal of sins. A time period of about three hours

divided by one and a half hours before the sunset and one and a half hours after sunset is

known as Pradosha Kala.

The Pradosham can be observed by everyone irrespective of age and gender. People all over

India, observe this with full devotion and dedication. Pradosham is observed in honor of Lord

Shiva and Devi Parvati.

On this day, in some parts of India, believers worship the Nataraj form of Lord Shiva. As per

the Skanda Puranam, there are two different methods of fasting on the Pradosham. The first

method is where the devotees participate in a strict fast for the whole day and night, that is,

24 hours and which also includes staying awake at night. In the second method, fasting is

practiced from sunrise until sunset, and after worshipping Lord Shiva in the evening, the fast

is broken.

The word ‘Pradosham’ means 'belonging or relating to the evening' or 'first part of the

night' . As this sacred fasting is observed during the ‘Sandhyakaal’ that is the evening

twilight, it is called the Pradosham fasting.

One who observes this revered fast with devotion and faith is believed to possess

contentment, wealth, and good health. The Hindu scriptures have highly praised Pradosh vrat

and the disciples of Lord Shiva keep it very sacred.

Now let’s look at the Top 3 Pradosh Vrat Rituals and Puja.

● On the day of Pradosham, all the prayers and pujas are observed during the time just

before sunrise and sunset.

● As a preliminary puja, Lord Shiva is worshipped along with Goddess Parvati, Lord

Ganesh, Lord Kartik, and Nandi. After which there is a ritual where Lord Shiva is

worshipped and invoked in a sacred ‘Kalasha’(pot). This Kalasha is placed on darbha

grass with lotus drawn on it and is filled with water.

● In some places, Shivling is also worshiped. The Shivling is given a bath with sacred

substances like ghee, curd, and milk. Some people also use a picture of Lord Shiva for

worshipping. When the puja is performed, the devotees offer Bilva leaves on the

Shivaling. Did you know, it’s believed that offering Bilva leaves on the day of Pradosh

vrat is highly auspicious.

The benefits of the Pradosham vrat vary according to the day it falls on. The different

names and respective benefits of Pradosh vrat are given below:

● Som Pradosh Vrat: It falls on a Monday . The aim of this vrat gives the devotees a

positive thought and all their desires will come true.

● Bhaum Pradosh Vrat: When Pradosh falls on a Tuesday , devotees will get relief from

their health problems and also improve their physical health.

● Saumya Vaara Pradosh Vrat: Falls on a Wednesday , the devotees on this auspicious

day seek fulfillment of their wishes and are also blessed with knowledge and wisdom.

● Guruvaara Pradosh Vrat: It falls on a Thursday and the devotees are able to bring an

end to all their current hazards by engaging in this fast.

● Bhrigu Vaara Pradosh Vrat: It is the Pradosham where the vrat is taken on a Friday .

This pradosha vrat will bring all the devotee success by eliminating the negativities

from your life.

● Shani Pradosh Vrat: The Shani Pradosh falls on a Saturday is said to be very

important of all the Pradosha vrats. The individual who observes the vrat on this day

will be able to revive his lost wealth and also seek elevation.

● Bhaanu Vaara Pradosh Vrat: It falls on a Sunday and the devotees will attain

longevity and peace by observing the fast on this day.

By observing pradosha with full devotion and dedication, all the desires are fulfilled by Lord

Shiva and Mata Parvati. It is believed that during the pradosha time Lord Shiva and Mata

Parvati performed a holy dance on mount Kailash in a pleased mood. So offering pooja during

this time gives an opportunity to remove negative karma and fulfillment of all desires. Going

for darshan to the nearby Shiva temple during pradosham kal is enough to please Lord Shiva.

OM NAMAH SHIVAYA