Temple Bracelets

A temple bracelet is an essential part of temple jewellery. It embodies tradition, rich heritage, and diverse culture of India, setting it apart from other jewellery. From being a proud owner of a temple bracelet to passing it down generations, here is everything you need to know from its history to the evolution of temple bracelets. The unique style of temple bracelets originated sometime in the 9th century during the Chola dynasty in South India. Rajaraja I, a Chola king, was born in 947 in Aipassi month on the day of Sadhayam star. He was the third child of Parantaka Sundara Chola and Vanavan Maha Devi of the Velir Malayaman dynasty and named Arulmozhi Varman. Temple Jewellery Origin can be traced to Rajaraja I, was elected through a democratic process. Much later, he adopted the name Rajaraja, meaning the King of Kings. He was an able administrator. He ruled between 985 and 1014 CE, leading strong elephant troops, cavalry, infantry and naval armies. Winning a large part of Southern India, his empire soon stretched from Sri Lanka in the south to Kalinga in the north. It also included the regions towards south of river Tungabhadra, Srilanka and Maldives islands. Rajaraja I soon began to be known as Mummudi Chola, the Tamil king who ruled the three kingdoms of Cholas, Pandyas and Cheras. The King of Cholas, besides winning wars was a great believer in arts and culture. He first embarked on a mission to recover the ancient hymns with the help of Nambi Andar Nambi to propagate Saiva literature. In the Chola dynasty, art and sculpture developed significantly. An ardent follower of Lord Shiva, Rajaraja I built the Brihadeeshwara temple at Thanjavur between 1003 and 1010 CE, dedicating it to Lord Shiva. The largest and tallest temple during the Chola period, it was an exemplary work of Dravidian architecture. In 2010, UNESCO declared the temple as a heritage site called the Great Living Chola Temple. The Brihadeeshwara temple at Thanjavur was the first temple that had a Shiva idol placed in it. As the idol dressed in gold ornaments at the time, this type of jewellery soon began to be called temple jewellery. Later, various types of temple jewellery such as Braclets, necklaces, earrings, bangles and anklets became an accessory for kings, queens, and other noblemen. In the Chola, Pandya, and Krishnadeva Raya dynasties from the 9th century till the 16th century, temple jewellery crafting grew leaps and bounds. South Indian goldsmiths retained the traditional designs and motifs along with the original names. Over the years, despite the Mughal and British conquests, temple jewellery continued to exist in its original style. Temple jewellery or nakshi jewellery consists of gold bracelets, bangles, necklaces, earrings, rings and anklets. They are known for their intricate designs and religious motifs inspired by the temple sculptures and carvings. In ancient South India, temple bracelets were crafted from gold to adorn deity idols during all religious ceremonies and festivals. But in recent years, due to the increasing price of gold, more and more temple bracelets are made in imitation or non-gold cheaper metals.Temple Jewellery Meaning now resonates with individuality and spirituality, making it a versatile accessory.

How to Style a Temple Bangle

Every temple bracelet carries a story. It boasts of craftsmanship, culture and divinity. Skilled artisans meticulously handcrafted each temple bracelet to give it a unique look. Here are a few tips on how to style temple bracelets.

Firstly, when wearing a formal Western outfit, remember it is best you wear a single prominent temple bracelet cuff to make it the focal point. 

Secondly, stack them up with sarees and salwars. When dressing in traditional sarees or salwars, create a layered look by stacking the temple bracelets. Experiment with a mix of textures and styles, but keep the metal and finish the same. Also, if your temple bracelet is gold, then synchronise it with temple necklaces and earrings also in gold. It will create a cohesive and well-balanced look.

Wear your temple bracelet to occasions such as weddings, baby and bridal showers, charity galas, family gatherings, and more. As weddings are all about over-the-top glam, don’t be shy to pair bold temple bracelets with haram long necklaces, vaddanams (waist belts), Nethi Chutti (Maang tikka) and vanki (the armlets) in similar motifs. It adds a touch of tradition and elevates your look. In addition, you can also bring in the festive spirit dressed in a stunning temple bracelet and other temple jewellery accessories. South India celebrates festivals like Pongal, Onam, Ugadi, Vishu, Diwali and even Christmas. You can wear temple bracelets, broad or thin, to any and every occasion and festival.

On the other hand, if you like to wear a temple bracelet at work, keep it simple. You can wear a thin temple bracelet at official events, conferences, and R&Rs. Remember to avoid wearing an intricate over-the-top temple bracelet to an interview.

 Whatever the occasion, the place, the attire, and the colours, remember to balance proportions to ensure the bracelet complements the overall look. It must reflect your style while connecting you to India's rich heritage. Experiment, experiment, experiment till you get it right!

While temple bracelets have deep historical roots and depict traditional designs, they have now adapted to the needs of modern fashionistas. Contemporary adaptations of temple bracelets are light in weight and more affordable. They are art forms to wear and treasure for a lifetime. There are also cheaper versions available in imitation jewellery. If you can't get a gold temple bracelet, go for the look-alike in gold–plated jewellery. It's the perfect time to own one!