A South Indian bride's make-up is not complete without traditional temple jewellery. Although today the trend of temple jewellery is not limited to South India only, it has been seen to be carried by North Indian brides as well. South Indian deities are deified in temple jewellery, hence it is an integral part of South Indian cultural heritage.

It is meticulously made and the more beautiful the temple jewellery, the more interesting is its history. In this article, let us go into detail about the history, signature of temple jewellery and also know how you can style it with sarees.

What is the history of temple jewellery?

Temple ornaments are said to have originated in the Chola and Pandya dynasties. In the early years, such ornaments were made from precious metal donations given to temples in South India and were reserved for the adornment of deities and royals. Temple dancers and devotees began to use replicas of such jewellery in their daily practices, with jewellers taking inspiration from the temple's architecture, history and the beauty of the deities. Over time, temple jewellery has become a piece that evokes religious sentiments and is, therefore, an integral part of South Indian culture.

What is the cultural significance of temple jewellery?

Every South Indian bride needs to wear temple jewellery. Its significance is also very interesting; when it is worn by brides it invokes the feeling of a divine presence in your life. Even today brides want to add a little element of tradition to their special day, which they accomplish by wearing temple jewellery.

Ways to style temple jewellery with saree

If you think that you can wear this jewellery only on the wedding day, then you are thinking wrong. You can style it in different ways. This versatile jewellery can give a traditional and modern look to your attire. An easy way to use them after a wedding is to wear them separately and not together. You don't need to wear a necklace, earrings, maang tikka and bangles together.

Wear necklace or chokers with saree

If you are attending a wedding, you don't necessarily have to be dressed in temple jewellery. You can wear a temple necklace or choker with your beautiful Kanjeevaram saree. It is up to you whether you want to wear a long necklace in a bold style or wear it by layering it with a choker.

Wear Temple Earrings with Saree

You can wear Chandbali or Bell shape style earrings on special days and functions other than the wedding day. Such ornaments are influenced by temple architecture and statues of gods and goddesses, so they can be weighty. If you are wearing it to a function and want a minimalist look, then you can choose a plain and light version of them.

Wear bangles with a saree

In South India, bangles or bracelets with different names such as Valayal in Tamil, Gajju in Telugu and Bel in Kannada are also found in temple jewellery designs. These bangles are usually heavy and you can style them with a classic kanjeevaram or any other silk saree.

Before buying temple jewellery keep these things in mind-

  • When choosing earrings, keep your hairstyle in mind. If you're wearing temple earrings with your hair loose, go for long earrings. Choose medium length earrings with a bun that will also look elegant and not look heavy on your face.
  • Temple jewellery is worn only in gold; it is not like that at all. You can also buy temple jewellery studded with rubies, emeralds and diamonds. Contrasting jewellery is also a trend these days. You can pair polka strings with temple pendants.
  • Choose pieces that can be used interchangeably. For example, you can style a neckpiece as a maang tikka or you can style a long layered necklace as a waistband.

You can also style temple jewellery in many ways. Not only with saree, but it can be paired with other ethnic attires.

Image Credit: shaadiwish, shaadidukaan, wedmegood, weddingz

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