Temple Jewelery

Indian jewelery  has a long and flourishing tradition. The most important are the – temple jewelry, spiritual jewelry and bridal jewelry. Temple jewelry originated with the dressing up of the deity.  Initially it was used to  adorn the idols of Gods and Goddesses. The statues In India were ornamented with chunky necklaces that were strung together  with beads or crafted with intricate filigree.

Amongst the ornaments that adorned statues of deities were large heavy necklace,  chunky bangles, usually studded with gems, earrings, nose rings and anklets were also used.

Jewellery being used by Beautiful Temple Dancers

The jewelry used to adorn the idols was later worn by temple dancers who danced in the temples and then it became popular in the kings court and  slowly  the designs became an integral part of the Indian jewelry tradition. Though the idols continued to be decorated with jewelry, a practice seen even today, the jewelry of Indian women also came be made on the pattern. Today, temple jewelry  has become one of the most popular jewelery traditions of India. During festivals and occasions of worship of Gods, women wear temple jewelry, believed to be auspicious and bring in good luck.

Jewellery Items for women

Jewelry items like pendants, bracelets, belts and brooches based on temple jewelry are very popular amongst women, during auspicious times, and wearing these is believed to bring fortuity to the person. The favorite design for pendants is that of Ganesha – the elephant headed god known to bestow good luck and good fortune. The other emblem, which is also, very much in demand, is that of the sacred syllable OM. These days, the temple jewelry of India is finding a flavor amongst foreigners too.

Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi dances jewelery

Heavy temple jewellery is very commonly worn by the Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancers. Classical and traditional in its appearance. In olden times it was made of gold but now  temple jewelries are made of pure silver and adorned with gem stones and for high finishing quality, these are gold plated. Chennai and Kumbakonam cities of great antiquity and religious importance situated in Tamil Nadu are great place to buy these antique pieces.

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