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MANGALSUTRA
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MANGALSUTRA-The Sacred Symbol of Hindu Marriage
A mangalsutra is a hindu symbol of marriage,
consisting of a gold ornament strung
from a yellow thread, a string of black beads or a gold chain. It is comparable to
a Western wedding ring, and is worn by a married woman until her husband's death. Mangalsutra are made in numerous designs. When a marriage is arranged, the pattern
is usually chosen by the groom's family according to their customs.
A Hindu marriage symbolizes not just a bonding of two individuals but also the
bonding of understanding, commitment, mutual love and spiritual growth.
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In Hindu
tradition marriage is not just about celebration and fun it demands sacrifice,
companionship, dedication, and surrender by both the partners. Each and every
ritual and custom associated with marriage portrays the real essence of wedding.
Mangalsutra is one such symbol of marriage. It is not just a piece of jewelry. On
the contrary, it has a lot of significance to a Hindu married woman. It is a
sacred thread of love and goodwill worn by married women as a symbol of their
marriage. Infact, Mangalya dharanam (literally "wearing the mangalya") is the
most important part of a Hindu marriage ceremony.
The groom ties it around the neck of the bride on the day of their marriage
signifying their union. It is known by different names in different states of
the country. In south India it is known as 'Thaali' or 'Mangalsutra' in north
India.In Tamil Nadu and in a few other states, Thaali's are tied on a thick
yellow thread. When the thread is worn out, they are replaced by a new thread.
Thaali's of different shapes and sizes are used by different communities based
on their particular customs. Thaali are of different types namely - embithai
thaali, amathaali, kolunthu thaali, variven thaali and manikka thaali. This
Thaali is associated with the weapon of Lord Mahavishnu. It is believed that
Lord Krishna wore amathaali (shape of tortoise) and kolunthu thaali (tender
leaves). Thaali is considered auspicious by the married women and they wear it till their
death or their husband's death.
Mangalsutra is the token of dignity and love given to a bride by her groom. The
most common type is made of two strings of small black beads with a locket or
pendant. It is also made of small beads of gold and black beads with gold and
diamond pendant. The black beads signify protection from evil power. It is
believed to protect their marriage and life of their husbands. It is considered
auspicious for married women to wear mangalsutra after marriage. Though today the
trend is changing, as most of them don't wear a mangalsutra.
Today the concept of wearing a mangalsutra
has changed. It is more a fashion
statement than a symbol of marriage. And credit goes to the daily soaps and Hindi
movies. Even the style has also changed over the years. Previously women use to
wear simple design mangalsutra with small pendants but now the trend is to wear
short length with single string and instead of gold pendants they prefer diamond
pendants. But the black beads remain constant. But whatever may be the reason to
wear it symbolizes the real essence and concept of marriage. |
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