Modern South Indian gold necklace designs have evolved to showcase rich traditions with contemporary aesthetics. Temple Jewellery Meaning now resonates with individuality and spirituality, making it a versatile accessory. Though temple necklaces are predominantly gold and based on symbols of deities and motifs of birds, animals, fish and flowers, they are now available in light-weight fusion designs.

Here are some of the elements peculiar to a temple necklace

•  Temple motifs: The South Indian bridal necklace, thali, has motifs like nandipada (foot prints of bull), Lakshmi pendant or aragukulishan (summit of a temple) for auspiciousness and prosperity. Temple necklaces also include other motifs inspired by temple architecture, like miniature temple structures, temple bells, the sacred lotus, Shiva’s serpent, or carvings of Gods and Goddesses. Temple design neckpieces also have motifs like fish, elephants, peacocks, parrots and the mythical bird gandabherunda.
• Centerpiece or pendant: The pendant of a temple necklace often features religious or mythological motifs. Temple design pendants have Shivlinga, Nandi, Lord Sundaresvara, goddess Meenakshi, Laxmi, or Navratan (nine stones representing the nine planets). Temple pendants feature intricate designs such as harams inspired by the grand architecture of ancient temples. They are hung on a chain or with beads.
• Chain or strand: A temple necklace chain or strand has various materials depending on its style and the design of the pendant. Usually, the chain or strand has gold, silver, precious or semi-precious beads, pearls and woven threads.
• Cultural symbolism: Gajalakshmi, Dashavata, Siva family, Venugopal, Garudasinavishnu, and Kaliyakrishna are popular in temple necklaces. These symbols relate to the Saivism and Vaishnavism sect of Hinduism. However, depending on the region Tamil Nadu or Kerala, the symbols may slightly differ on a temple necklace.
• Coins: Indians love coin necklaces as they symbolise prosperity. In Punjab, they are called Henkal or Hamail, Rajasthan Rupaya Haar, and Tamil Nadu Kasumalai. Traditional South Indian necklaces have small gold coins closely strung together to overlap one another. The Laxmi coin is a favourite as Goddess Laxmi represents wealth and prosperity in Hindu tradition.
• Gemstones and beads: Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and pearls lend an alluring lustre to temple necklaces. Temple necklaces also feature cut and uncut precious stones to make a stunning statement and heirloom piece. Silver and imitation necklaces use semi-precious gems and beads like corals to make temple jewellery affordable.
• Symbolic hanging charms : Hanging charms ward off evil and ensure good fortune. Temple necklaces have charms such as the shri chakra, lotus flower, Om, the Trishul (trident), and temple bell design charms. Charms also lend elegance and softness to a heavy temple-design necklace.
• Gold filigree work : Good filigree work is a form of intricate metalwork that features interwoven fine gold wire or threads, coiled or twisted, to add opulence to the temple necklace. Depending on their design and intricate pattern, temple necklaces have openwork filigree or metal-supported filigree.
• Spiritual significance : A temple necklace may have different effects on the wearer. Indian women believe wearing a temple necklace helps to connect with the inner self, express spirituality and protect from danger. It even holds ritualistic significance at festivals and in sacred ceremonies. Wearing a temple necklace resonating with one's beliefs can enhance the happiness quotient.

South Indian women like to wear heavy gold temple necklaces at weddings and festivals. For daily wear, they use lighter versions in gold or silver as it symbolises fertility and prosperity. Here are some of the names used to differentiate diverse styles and characteristics of South Indian necklaces: -

1. Maanga Maalai: Long chain with paisley mango motifs in plain gold or studded with precious gemstones.
2. Kasumalai: Also known as Kasumala, Kasinasara, or Kasulaperu, this coin necklace has silver or gold coins strung together in a chain.
3. Guttapusalu Haram: Contains Guttapusalu or tiny black beads strung together in a gold or silver chain.
4. Lakshmi Haaram: It is a typical necklace with a large pendant that features Goddess Laxmi. It has fine filigree work or enamel detailing with motifs of auspicious symbols. 
5. Nakshi Haram: Another temple design necklace, nakshi haram, is usually around 18 inches long and embellished with small, round decorative structures. It even has flowers, religious patterns and animals in its design.
6. Gopuram: This temple necklace depicts the ornate entrance towers of South Indian temples. They also incorporate other temple-inspired elements like temple bells and pillars that symbolize the divine presence of temples.

Some other typical temple design necklaces are - Mullamottu Mala (jasmine bud motifs), Vettrilai Kovai (betel-leaf-shaped pendant), Kodi Maalai (leaves and plants motifs), Chavadi (five layers of chain) and Palakkamala Kemp (with tiny beads and depicting gods and goddesses).

Temple necklaces called Ornament of the Gods draw inspiration from ancient temple carvings and divine statue forms. Traditionally crafted using gold and adorned with precious gemstones, many women in South India cherish owning a divine temple necklace. Temple necklaces combine timeless beauty, tradition and spirituality with elements and motifs inspired by ancient temple architecture.

Today, though the brides of India are tilting towards diamond jewellery, temple necklaces remain an integral part of South Indian weddings. You can wear a temple necklace to weddings, festivals, religious ceremonies, dance performances or on a day-to-day basis.

South Indian temple necklaces create the best wedding look for a beautiful bride. As weddings in India are a status symbol, temple necklaces are made from gold and embellished with precious stones. Temple jewellery is considered auspicious at South Indian marriages and a perfect accessory for traditional and modern ceremonies. Also, the wedding Thaali or Mangalsutra put around the bride's neck by the groom is known to bring good luck and prosperity to the newlyweds.

India is a land of festivals. People love to dress up in their finery to celebrate these festivals. In South India, women wear temple necklaces on Vishu, Onam, Pongal or Diwali as they partake in cultural celebrations during these festivals.

Women wear temple necklaces to religious ceremonies or poojas. During Akshaya Tritiya, they also buy and wear new gold jewellery to invite prosperity. Furthermore, today, temple necklaces are donated to Hindu temples to worship or thank the deity. 

Traditionally used to adorn deities during religious ceremonies, temple necklaces gained popularity when Devdasis wore them to temples to perform before the Gods. But after the government passed the Bill against the Devadasi system in 1988, temple necklaces became an integral costume accessory for Bharatnatyam, a South Indian dance performed wearing Kalakshethra sarees and traditional jewellery. From long temple necklaces to chokers, Bharatnatyam dancers still wear temple necklaces but are mostly imitation pieces.

Gold represents the sun and is believed to have the power to ward off negative energies. Thus, many South Indian women wear gold thalis, coin chains or temple pendants every day.