MangalSutra-necklace with black beads

The most important part of the bridal jewelry is mangal sutra. However, it is not worn by the bride before the marriage.  It comprises  a string of black beads, with a gold or diamond pendant.

“Mangalsutra”  (Mangala sutra, Mangalasutra or Thaali) is considered a symbolic representation of the union of marriage in a Hindu wedding. Literal translation for “mangal” means happy and “sutra” is the union. Known by a variety of names across the different regions in India, Mangalsutra is most commonly viewed as a sacred thread or beads of love adorned by most married Hindu women. The thread or the beads contain single or double pendants (based on cultural rituals) that is believed to sit right above the thymus gland. In Yoga, the “chakras” are considered the energy centers in the body and the “heart chakra” is associated with the thymus gland. Thus, the Managlsutra sitting right above the thymus gland is also a symbolic representation of unconditional love of a wife for her spouse.

 Mangalsutra symbolizes the inseparable bond between a husband and a wife. During the wedding ceremony, the bridegroom ties the mangalsutra to the neck of the bride uttering- “May you live long by wearing this sacred Mangalsutra, the reason of my life”. Married women are entitled to wear Mangalsutra throughout their life as it is believed that the practice enhances the well-being of her husband and family. It is also considered that the mangalsutra protects the marriage from any evil. Three knots symbolize three different aspects of a married woman - the first knot represents her obedience to her husband, the second to his parents and the third represents her respect for God.

Mangalsutra are made in numerous designs. The common ones are the Lakshmi thaali (worn by the most Hindus), Ramar/Pottu thaali (worn by the Telugus ), Ela thaali (worn by the Malayalees) and Kumbha thaali (worn by the Tamils of Kshatriya caste). The design is chosen by the groom's family according to prevalent customs. Gujaratis and Marwaris often use a diamond pendant. Maharashtrians wear a pendant of one or two vatis. The mangalya or Taali or mangalasutra of Kannidagas is similar to that of the Maharashtrians, except that it usually has two vatis. The Bengali, Oriya and Assamese don't have the custom of Mangalsutra.