A mangalsutra, where ‘Mangal’ means “holy, auspicious” in Sanskrit and ‘sutra’ means “thread” in Hindi, is a necklace that the groom puts around the bride’s neck during the Hindu rite known as Mangalya Dharanam, which means “wearing the auspicious” and designates her as a married woman.
In order to safeguard the bride from other men and evil spirits, a single yellow thread was wrapped around her in the sixth century AD. India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are all home to the social practice known as the mangal sutra. According to Manusmriti, this custom is also an essential component of the marriage ceremony.
The mangalsutra is known by numerous names and iterations, and different regions use different designs and motifs for it. However, despite all the claims to the contrary, the tradition may not actually be that old. The custom is said to have started in the sixth century when a single yellow thread was tied around the bride’s hand as a form of protection from evil spirits.
Mangalsutra began as a part of a tradition and has since evolved into a fashion statement for women from all walks of life. Modern women are styling their outfits with Mangalsutra, opting for sleeker designs to stay true to their culture and heritage.
Women today wear it as a go-to accessory, from homemakers to CEOs of multinational corporations. As the name suggests, golden mangalsutra represents the sacred and pure emotion that a married woman experiences after marriage. There are numerous reasons in Hindu religion and mythology that explain the significance of the Mangalsutra.
The traditional Mangalsutra is made up of black beads and a gold pendant, which is typically a heavy gold Mangalsutra.
However, with changing trends and styles, Mangalsutra is also available in a variety of styles.
- Mangalsutra with a splash of color thanks to gemstones
- Pendant with a diamond Mangalsutra
- Floral pattern Mangalsutra
- Elegant ball pendant Mangalsutra
Mangalsutras are extremely important in Hindu weddings and the lives of married Hindu women. The significance of the mangalsutra is comparable to that of wedding bands and engagement rings in Western culture. This unique Indian gold necklace is usually chosen by the groom’s family and fastened around the bride’s neck during the wedding.
While most people associate the mangalsutra with religious significance, there is also scientific evidence to support the mangalsutra’s importance in Indian culture. Wearing a mangalsutra made of pure gold is highly valued in Hindu culture.
Pure 22k gold has a number of healing properties, the most important of which is improved heart health, according to the ancient Indian science known as Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, wearing a mangalsutra close to the heart attracts cosmic waves from nature and promotes healthy heart function. It also teaches that these waves help husband and wife maintain a happy, healthy relationship. Wearing a mangalsutra is also said to have the following health benefits:
- Contributes to the development of the immune system
- Keeping a woman fresh and energetic by regulating blood flow
- Blood pressure control
- Stimulating the Surya-Nadi, or Sun-channel, in the female body and awakening the natural energy within
