Indian jewelry is divided into three distinctive heads – temple jewelry, spiritual jewelry and bridal jewelry. Temple jewelry, much like...
Indian jewelry is divided into three distinctive heads – temple jewelry, spiritual jewelry and bridal jewelry. Temple jewelry, much like the name suggests, was earlier used to adorn the idols of Indian deities, gods, and goddesses. Indian temples still retain the practice of adoring the idols with chunky, gold jewelry. The ornaments that comprise of these intricately crafted, big pieces of jewelry are bangles, earrings, necklace, waist belt, nose rings, and anklets.
However, later on, this jewelry was worn by temple dancers, classical dancers as well as royalty. Lately, the jewelry is now increasingly coming into the fashion scene with its rich aesthetics.
Origin of temple jewelry
Temple jewelry is believed to have originated somewhere in the 9th century during the reign of the Chola dynasty. All the Chola kings gave importance to cultural development and most of the temple jewellery today is similar to the designs in the heavily ornamented pillars with accurate details and rich sculpted walls of many South Indian Temples, especially the ones in Thanjavur. Back then, this kind of jewelry was used to decorate the idols and Gods and Goddesses in temples, and hence, the name.
The main base is gold, although silver and other metals are also available and are inexpensive in comparison. Temple jewelry is embellished with precious and semi precious gems and pearls to give them a classic appearance. They are also embellished with Polki and Kundan stones, which are characteristic of North Indian jewelry. It comes in various designs and motifs such as swans, peacocks, lotus flower, gods and goddesses, royal figures etc. The range of jewelry starts from something as small as a nose ring to big chunky necklaces. Some pieces are worn occasionally like armlets, head adornments, anklets, waist belt and nose rings.
Types of Temple Jewellery
Here is a list describing some of the most popular ornaments of temple jewelry:
Temple Jewellery - Hair Accessories
Temple hair accessories are made with gold-plated silver studded with kemp stones, pearls and other semi-precious stones to give a traditional attractiveness and an exceptional grace to the traditional dancers. It’s also worn by brides to give a divine look to their appearance. These hair ornaments are tied from the top of the forehead to the tip of the plait.
Temple Jewellery – Haram
Temple chains are the most popular ornaments of temple jewelry which are mainly adorned to give an exquisite look to a woman’s beauty. As per one’s needs and look required according to the dress, these chains are available in long as well as short lengths. Various precious gemstones like pearls, kemps and rubies are used to add to the luster of the temple chains. Long chains are popularly known as harams in South India and some of the designs employed to increase the beauty of the chains include strings of gold coins, flowers, rudraksha stones and Hindu deity figurines.
Temple Jewellery – Necklaces and chokers
Temple necklaces and chokers constitute a significant part of ornaments worn by women to enhance the beauty of their necks and add glory to the festive occasions. Usage of various precious and semi precious gemstones and pearls give luster to the necklaces and chokers. These ornaments also symbolize Goddess Lakshmi who is the incarnation of wealth in Hindu mythology.
Temple Jewellery – Waist Bands
These temple ornaments are chiefly worn by classical dancers and brides to complement their beauty and give a divine look to their appearance. Made in gold or gold-glazed silver, temple waist belts and hip chains are studded with gemstones and decorated with little bells or trinkets to add to its exquisite look.
Temple Jewellery - Armlets
Wearing temple armlets has become a status symbol for the bride wearing it on her wedding. It is available as attachable traditional armlets or with strings to be tied around the arms. Keeping in view its traditional value, these armlets are given the shape of temple sanctum and mostly have Goddess Lakshmi placed in the centre to give an exquisite look to the design.
Temple Jewellery - Toe-rings
Temple rings and toe rings are available in a wide variety of designs studded with precious gemstones and semi precious gemstones. Having god or goddess figurines as a centerpiece has grown largely in the past few decades. These rings are intricately crafted to give a lovely look to the jewelry and make it attractive. The toe rings generally use silver as the base metal and women wear it in their toes as the name itself suggests.
How to Wear Temple Jewellery?
It is mainly used during weddings. People like wearing jhumkas and kamarbandhs (waistbands). Temple jewellery also enhances the look of Indian wear like saris, ghagra cholis and salwar kameez. You can be a little experimental by striking a fine balance between traditional and modern designs. There are pendants, necklaces, arm bands, haathphools and earrings available in the market. Go for lighter ones if you do not want to try anything heavy. When in a completely western look, it is good to give some ethnic hints. What better way than trying some traditional temple inspired jhumkis or ring? When going for a formal lunch, wear a light temple necklace over a loose linen dress and you are set to make a statement.
Disclaimer: All the images used in this article are just for references only. If you have any concerns, we are ready to remove it.The celebrities in no way promote or endorse the brand.
Disclaimer: All the images used in this article are just for references only. If you have any concerns, we are ready to remove it.The celebrities in no way promote or endorse the brand.
