Temple Rings

One of India’s crafted treasures, temple jewellery, is flooding India’s fashion markets. Stemming from ancient India, where symbolic jewellery was handcrafted to adorn the idols of Gods and Goddesses, this jewellery has become a part of India’s rich heritage. Today, most of the temple jewellery is made in Vadasery, a tiny village on the borders of Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu. It is so intricate that even a ring can take up to a month to make. Indian Temple rings are a unique style of jewellery that originated in the temples of South India during the Chola dynasty. They have intricate designs and traditional motifs. Embedded with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, pearls, kemp, polka, kundan and meenakari, they stand out from other rings. While earlier temple rings were made from gold and silver, today, the more affordable versions in brass, gold-plated and imitation are available. Women wear them to enhance their day-to-day look or to add a touch of glamour on special occasions. Temple Jewellery Origin can be traced to Rajaraja I. the ruler who reigned from 985 to 1014, Born as Arulmozhivarman, he was the third child of Parantaka Sundara Chola and Vanavan Mahadevi. Arulmozhi began to gain recognition with his exploits in the battles against the Sinhala and Pandyan armies. He conquered regions of the Pandya country, the Chera country, northern Sri Lanka, Lakshadweep, and Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Raja Raja I soon became known as Rajaraja the Great, the emperor who reigned from 985 CE to 1014 CE. Rajaraja laid the foundations for the Chalukya Chola dynasty, which prospered under Chola rule for the next hundred years. Rajaraja I utilised the wealth earned through his conquests to build stone temples and exquisite bronze sculptures. The ardent believer of Shivaism constructed the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur. It was the first temple where the idols adorned silver and gold jewellery. Skilled artisans crafted temple jewels inspired by the architecture of the temple walls, pillars, and doors. Since then, the practice of ornamenting statues of gods and goddesses and religious symbols has continued in South India. Later, various types of temple jewellery such as Rings, necklaces, earrings, bangles and anklets became an accessory for kings, queens, and other noblemen. It also became a part of jewellery worn by the historic devadasis, the temple dancers, who dedicated their single lives to serving the temple deities. Devadasis played an important role in temple rituals, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, until their practice was abolished in independent India. Following that, temple jewellery or nakshi jewellery became an integral part of the Acharya or costume of Bharatanatyam or Kuchipudi dancers. Temple Jewellery Meaning now resonates with individuality and spirituality, making it a versatile accessory. Slowly, the temple ring became a part of the Indian woman’s bridal jewellery. The most artful of all ring types, the temple ring design plays an essential role in the cultural heritage of southern India. Sculpted from gold, it depicts images of gods and goddesses, divine figurines and other symbolic elements such as leaves, trees, coins, and bells. Initially, every temple ring was handcrafted, from the mould to filing and finishing. Though most of the process still remains the same, the kaarigars are adopting modern technology and machines to finish and polish the ring. Since Hindus believe gold holds the power to purify anything it touches, temple rings were crafted from gold, silver or silver covered with gold leaf.

How to Style Temple Rings

Styling a temple ring the right way adds sophistication. 

Since temple rings are large, decorative and intricate, focus on the ring. Wear one temple ring rather than crowding it with other rings. A single traditional temple ring for a high-neck black cocktail dress is the perfect accessory to create a style statement. You can also wear a single temple ring with jeans to add a cultural flair to your everyday casual look.

Choose complementary colours and outfits. As a bride, you can style a stunning temple ring with a luxurious silk saree or a heavily embroidered lehenga. Temple rings pair beautifully with traditional Indian outfits like sarees, half-sarees, salwar kameezes, or lehengas. Also, coordinate the colour of your temple ring to blend with the tones of your dress, especially if it has colourful precious stones or Meenakari work.

Wear a temple ring with a single kada around your wrist or experiment with layering bracelets on the same hand. Choose bracelets that continue with the same vibe without overpowering the temple ring.

Do not be afraid to wear a temple ring with a Western formal outfit. For formal events, you can still tastefully incorporate a temple ring. It allows you to express your cultural identity. Ensure the focus remains on the intricate details of one piece rather than attracting too much attention with other accessories.

Balancing your temple ring with other jewellery pieces is the key to an elegant look. At South Indian weddings, women dress up by wearing temple rings, earrings, necklaces, bangles and more. You can surely do that with a temple jewellery set.

To achieve a Boho look, learn to mix shades of different metals. For example, if your coin temple ring is in a gold tone, then create an eclectic look with a silver and gold Rolex. You can also add a silver nose ring and a coin pendant.

Whether attending a destination wedding or on a cruise holiday, create a personal statement with the right temple ring and other temple jewellery. Though the main base is gold, silver and other metals are also available, which are comparatively less expensive. They are good when travelling to far-off destinations as you don’t want to risk losing your heirloom temple ring.

Remember a temple ring is not just a piece of jewellery but a symbol of tradition. It is a timeless accessory to own.