maangalyam

Maangalyam is a Sanskrit term meaning auspicious and refers to a sacred ornament associated with marriage in Hindu tradition. In common usage, it denotes the necklace or chain worn by a bride as part of the marriage adornments, and it can refer to the entire ornament or specifically to the pendant that symbolizes auspiciousness. The concept is closely linked to the mangalsutra or thaali, the sacred jewelry set that marks a woman’s married status, with regional variations in form and terminology.

In wedding rites, the maangalyam is typically tied around the bride’s neck by the groom or a priest, sealing the couple’s union. It signifies the wife’s marital commitment and is believed to bring prosperity, protection, and well-being to the husband and wife. The practice is especially prominent in South Indian communities, where the maangalyam or thali is a central element of the bridal attire. However, variations exist across regions in terms of design, materials, and naming.

Construction and design vary by tradition. In many South Indian configurations, the maangalyam is part of a gold chain with a distinctive pendant, worn together with the broader mangalsutra or thali. In other contexts, particularly in North Indian practice, the mangalsutra may feature a string of black beads with a gold pendant; the underlying significance remains the same—the bond of marriage and auspiciousness. Modern designs range from traditional gold to contemporary metal and gemstone adaptations, but the symbolic meaning endures.

See also: Mangalsutra, Thaali, Mangalya Dharanam.