Mangal Sutra (Thaali)

There are different types of mangal sutra (thaalis) are used in marriage ceremonies, among different communities.

Let us see some of them :

Kerala Hindu Mangal Sutra (Thaali)

Mangal Sutras used by Kerala based Hindus are two types.

1) Nayar Mangal Sutra
2) Om Mangal Sutra.

Muslim Mangal Sutra (Thaali) (Crescent Thaali)

There are several types of Muslims are there. For Urdu speaking Muslims and other Muslims, there are two different type of mangal sutra are used during a marriage custom.

Crescent Thaali is the one used mostly by majority of Muslims. But Urdu speaking Muslims using "Theekka Mangal Sutra."

Other Muslims are using "Poosardaram Thaali". Generally Muslims used to wear black beads, sometimes they attach mangal sutras with black bead chain.

Bengal Mangal Sutra

Mangal Sutras (Thaali) are divine symbol of the marriage. It varies according to different cultures in different part of the country.

For Bengali people bangles are the main mangal sutra (thaali). Only bangles get the importance and emphasis of "Mangal Sutras" in Bengal. Fish inscribed "Sangu Bangles" and additionally some red bangles are their mangal sutras.

Iyengar Mangal Sutra (Vadakalai, Thenkalai)

Vadakalai Mangal Sutra is "U" shaped. And "Thenkalai" is "V" shaped. In some of the mangal sutras of these both sects they use divine symbol of Lord Vishnu the "Sangu Chakra" inscribed in both the side of it.

Christian Mangal Sutra

Only "Rings" playing major role in the Christian marriages. But some of them are using mangal sutras. "Leaf Mangal Sutra."

"Pala Saram Thaali", "Round mangal sutra" and "Kaattin Uppal" are some of the names of mangal sutras used by some of the Christians.

Generally at the backside of there mangal sutras. One can see the marriage date, day and names of the "Couple."

Mangal Sutras of Various Castes

Mudaliars, Sengutha Mudaliars, Nayakkar, Gowndars are using mangal sutras in which "sacred ash" symbol is there.

Symbols used are different in-kind, which varies according to castes and sects.

Single Flower Mangal Sutra : above the "Sacred ash" symbol there will be one singly flower.

Coconut leaves thaali : Just above the symbol of "Sacred ash" there will be sacred leaf flower. "Saivaites" are using "big sacred ash" symbol inscribed mangal sutras.

Wing Mangal Sutra :

It consists of 3 small parts. On the front side there is a shape like "Lord Ganesh". On the two sides there is structure like wings. People who lives in Thirunelveli district and "Pillaimaar" caste people are using this type of mangal sutras.

Chetti Nattu Thaali :

It is structured like rectangle. In this, symbol of loths and bird "Annam" is inscribed. There are two types in this kind of mangal sutras.

In this kind of Long mangal sutras, there will be symbol of Lord Lakshmi inscribed in both the sides, some people used to fix costly gems in it. Of course ordinary mangal sutras are also there!

"KINNIPOTTU" (Andhra)

There are two types of "KINNIPOTTU" in use among Andhra people. Both are used only by telugu speaking Andhra people. In Tamilnadu also some people are using this type of mangal sutras.

Telugu speaking "Chettiars" and "Nayudus" are also using this type. In general Andhra people used to fix this mangal sutra in a black bead and wear it.

It is shaped like a small bowl that is why this called "KINNIPOTTU". At the centre there is golden dot like shape is inscribed.

Brahmins Mangal Sutras

It is square shaped with two head like structure at top. It is a flat type mangal sutra. In this there are Ayyar Mangal Sutra and Iyengar Mangal Sutra are the two types.

Iyer "Thaali" ("Thulsi Maddam")

It is the mangal sutra worn by most of the brahmins. The front side of this type of mangal sutras is flat.

In this also there are in use two types of mangal sutras :

1) Upper flower "thaali"
2. Lower flower "thaali"

In the flat side of the mangal sutra, flowers are blossoms upwards, while in the lowest flower thaalis. Flower blossoms downwards.

In the front side the Image of Lord Meenakshi - Sundareswar is inscribed. This type is famous among people in Madurai.

In "Palakkattu Iyer" mangal sutras in the front side the "Phallus" (lingam) symbol is inscribed.