For best prices and early deliveries, WhatsApp us at. 918488070070
Temple Nose Ring
Temple Jewellery or nakshi jewellery is an embodiment of Indian culture and craftsmanship. The nose ring has found its place in India's diverse jewellery repertoire. It is a traditional jewellery piece worn on the nostril. In South India, it holds a place of significance, symbolising marriage. Women believe wearing a nose ring on the left nostril stimulates a pressure point directly linked to the reproductive system. Temple Jewellery Origin can be traced to the reign of the Chola kings when Rajaraja I asked skilled craftsmen to make ornaments from pure gold fit for Gods and Goddesses. Rajaraja I, born as Arulmozhi in 947 CE, was the son of the Chola king Parantaka II (alias Sundara) and queen Vanavan Mahadevi. He reigned from 985 to 1014. When he ascended the throne, the Chola kingdom centred in the Thanjavur-Tiruchirappalli region. Soon, he ruled over Vengi territory (the Godavari districts) and Gangavadi territory (present-day Karnataka state). Soon, he conquered Kerala (the Chera country) and acquired lands in northern Sri Lanka. With a powerful army and navy, his conquests spread far and wide, reaching the islands of Lakshadweep, Thiladhunmadulu, and parts of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Arulmozhi, the strategic leader and able administrator, adopted the name Rajaraja I, the King among Kings. During his reign, he also left a significant mark on the cultural and architectural growth of the Chola kingdom. He compiled Thirumurai - a single collection of literary works by Tamil poets Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar. He also commissioned the construction of the Brihadeeswara Temple in the Chola capital of Thanjavur. It was in this Shiva temple that for the first time, idols of Gods and Goddesses adorned gold and silver ornaments. Goldsmiths, specialising in exquisite jewellery making, worked tirelessly to handcraft each piece inspired by the carvings on the temple walls, pillars and doors. Later, various types of temple jewellery such as nose rings, necklaces, earrings, bangles and anklets became an accessory for kings, queens, and other noblemen. Temple Jewellery Meaning now resonates with individuality and spirituality, making it a versatile accessory. A traditional nose ring or mookuthi in Tamil, has deep cultural and religious significance. South Indian women had nose piercings for health benefits and religious beliefs. In Tamil Nadu, women wear the Beasari, a seven or eight-stone nose stud.
Diving into the Design
A temple nose ring effortlessly blends traditional connotations with contemporary aesthetics. Lightweight platinum, gold, silver, and kundan settings make them perfect for the new-age bride. Over centuries, the mookuthi or mukkutti evolved into an exquisite art form with cultural significance. There are several reasons why, to this day, the nose ornament remains an integral part of a bridal trousseau.
The intricate temple nose ring holds religious significance. Hindu women in South India wore a nose ornament to show their marital status. In South India, nose piercings also signify the coming of age. The temple nose ring is associated with the goddess Parvati symbolising marriage and fertility. Brahmin women in South India have been piercing their noses on the right side. The right side aligns with Pingala Naadi, representing the Sun and its strength.
Depending on its design and size, a nose ring goes well with traditional and fusion outfits. Young girls wear nose rings to express individuality. This tiny ornament is more varied and versatile than temple necklaces, earrings, or bangles.
The cultural and traditional reasons to wear a nosering have long changed. Today, a nose ring is not just associated with married women but younger generations who flaunt it as a fashion statement. A temple mookuthi, made from materials like gold and precious gemstones, is handed down from generation to generation. Many South Indian women adorn themselves with this ornament at festivals and special occasions.
Temple nose rings with unique motifs and traditional symbols have become a must-own for everyone, from the older to the younger generation. Amid the cultural renaissance, these mookuthis have maintained temple design styles mirroring the elegance of the temple carvings. Even with modern interpretations, a South Indian nath or mookuthi has several elements that distinguish it from other nose rings.
A temple nose ring or mookuthi design symbolises temple architecture. Mookuthis have intricate designs inspired by the ancient temples of South India. Traditional designs with motifs of domes, lotus, or deity figurines echo the various facets of South Indian temple culture. The other most popular temple nose ring designs embody the snake, peacock, elephant, swans and other paisley shapes. Most of these depictions symbolise marital status and prosperity.
For generations, temple jewelries have been crafting mookuthis from gold. Sometimes plain and sometimes studded with precious and semi-precious stones, these nose ornaments represent the architectural marvel of Chola temples. However, with the growing demand for temple nose rings, necklaces, earrings and bangles, they are also found in silver, alloy and imitation because of their affordable prices.
Temple nose rings range from small to large and studs to hoops. Some larger nose rings have an attached chain that hooks around the ear. It adds to the aesthetic appeal and provides additional support. Bridal nose rings are often large and intricately designed, sometimes covering a part of the cheek. These are now available in gold or gold-plated and pierce or non-pierce types too. To nail your look with the perfect nose ring, remember to take into consideration your facial features.
Occasions
Women in South India wear a temple nose stud or nose ring to honour tradition. It is worn as a symbol of marital status, to express belief in divinity, as cultural conditioning, or to express oneself. Across South India, these nose ornaments may also vary in size, shape and style depending on the region and community. For instance, the Mukku Pudaka is usually a small stud with a gemstone worn by women in Andhra Pradesh, while the Laxmi nose ornament is worn in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Temple nose jewellery, like other temple jewellery, is worn at different occasions such as weddings, festivals, and family gatherings to celebrate anniversaries or birthdays. They also look most appropriate when worn with a saree or lehenga to a pre-wedding invite. As weddings are all about over-the-top glam, don’t be shy to pair a large temple nose ring with heavy temple earrings, haram long necklaces, kadas, vaddanams (waist belts), Nethi Chutti (Maang tikka) and vanki (the armlets) in similar motifs. Nose ornaments can also lend a touch of elegance at cultural events like a jatra, dance performance, or music recital. Temple nose rings celebrate culture. While the large nose ornaments make a splash, the smaller daintier versions are used in daily wear.
How to Style a Temple Nose Ring
The timeless allure of the nose pin, nose stud or nose ring has evolved. In modern times, it has become a global fashion trend with celebrities like Alicia Keys, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna and Beyonce embracing the nose ornament as a part of their style. Bollywood artists like Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma wore nose rings in Bollywood movies and also as their bridal jewellery. So, if you want to be the next celebrity and unravel the beauty of this tiniest piece of temple jewellery, here is how to style it.
Choose the right style, size and design based on the shape of your nostril and face structure. Also, the selection of any intricate design or colour will depend on whether you want to wear the nose ring daily or on special occasions.
Define the purpose of purchase. Are you buying a temple nose ring as an heirloom piece, to wear to work or to make a fashion statement? Depending on its purpose, you can decide on the parameters - plain or intricate, gold or silver, studded or non-studded, etc.
Pay attention to the shape of the nose. Choose a flowery nose ring with colourful stones and diamonds if you have a wide nose. But if you have a long, pointed nose, go with traditional hoops. On the other hand, if you have a small nose opt for a half-loop nose pin.
When wearing a nose ring, ensure the motif or theme is in line with what appears in the temple maang tikka, necklace, earring or bangle. Ensure the design features on the nose ornament complement and do not clash with other pieces of jewellery. Balance the nose ring with other temple jewellery.
When you want to wear a statement nose ring, get an expert hair and makeup professional. Especially when dressing as a bride, choose soft eye makeup and bold lip colour to highlight a large temple nose ring. Also, a Toda bridal bun, a Mysore silk saree bun, or a traditional South Indian braid can elevate the nose pin.
In conclusion, styling a nose ring needs confidence. While it embraces India’s rich culture and heritage, it is not just any piece of jewellery. A nose ring in South Indian culture holds as much significance as a mangal sutra in other cultures. Bring home a temple nose ring and celebrate timeless elegance!
Image Credits
Jaypore | Lifestyle Asia | Medium | Aza Fashions | Kalki Fashion | Kushals | Yellow Chimes