Temple jewellery is traditional South Indian jewellery decorated with motifs of Hindu gods, goddesses and temple architecture, first made to adorn deities in temples. It is known for its matte antique gold finish, Lakshmi, lotus, peacock and elephant motifs, and red and green kemp stones. Today it is worn by brides, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancers, and women at festivals, usually with silk sarees such as Kanjivaram.
What Does Temple Jewellery Mean?
The name comes from its origin. In South Indian temples, gold ornaments were made to dress the idols of deities. Over time, the same designs were made for devadasis (temple dancers), then for classical dancers and brides. So "temple jewellery" means jewellery in the style made for the temple: sacred motifs, heavy gold work and a devotional meaning, worn as a blessing rather than only as decoration.
History of Temple Jewellery
Temple jewellery is most often traced to the Chola dynasty, which ruled much of South India between the 9th and 13th centuries and was a major patron of temples and the arts. Goldsmiths made elaborate ornaments for the gods, using methods such as lost-wax casting for fine relief work. Tamil Nadu, especially the Nagercoil region, remains the best-known centre of the craft, and Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have their own styles. Classical dance kept the tradition alive, and brides adopted it as a symbol of heritage.
Temple Jewellery Styles by Region
- Tamil Nadu: the classic style, with deity motifs, kemp stones and heavy antique gold; Nagercoil is the best-known centre.
- Kerala: lighter, brighter gold with designs such as the palakka mala (green stone necklace), the nagapadam (cobra-hood pendant) and the mango mala.
- Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh: Lakshmi coin necklaces, broad chokers and long harams worn at weddings.
Types of Temple Jewellery
| Piece | What it is | When to wear |
|---|---|---|
| Temple necklace / choker | Short, broad necklace with Lakshmi or coin motifs | Weddings, festivals, silk sarees |
| Haram (long necklace) | Long layered necklace, often with a large pendant | Bridal, layered with a choker |
| Hasli / kanthi | Rigid collar-style necklace | Festive, statement look |
| Temple jhumka and chandbali | Bell or crescent earrings with deity or peacock motifs | With any temple set, dance |
| Maang tikka / nethi chutti | Forehead ornament on a chain | Brides, dancers |
| Vaddanam / oddiyanam | Waist belt worn over the saree | Brides, Bharatanatyam |
| Temple bangles | Carved gold bangles and kadas | Bridal stacking, festivals |
| Temple mangalsutra | Mangalsutra with Lakshmi coin or kemp pendant | Married women, South Indian weddings |
Popular Temple Jewellery Motifs and Their Meaning
| Motif | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Goddess Lakshmi | Wealth, prosperity and good fortune; the most common temple motif |
| Lotus | Purity and spiritual awakening |
| Peacock | Beauty and grace; linked to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya) |
| Elephant | Strength and wisdom; linked to Lord Ganesha |
| Mango (manga) | Fertility and abundance; seen in the classic mango mala |
| Coins (kasu) | Prosperity; the base of the kasu mala necklace |
How Is Temple Jewellery Made?
Traditional pieces start as a gold or silver frame. The craftsman carves or casts relief motifs, sets stones (traditionally red and green kemp stones, rubies, emeralds and pearls), and finishes the piece with a matte antique polish that gives it its aged, temple-gold look. Fashion temple jewellery follows the same designs on a brass or copper base with gold plating, which makes it lighter and far more affordable.
South Indian Temple Jewellery Designs We Love
These are our best-selling temple designs, based on real orders on our store.
Shop the full temple jewellery collection, temple necklaces, temple earrings and temple mangalsutras.
Real Gold vs Gold-Plated Temple Jewellery
| Real gold | Gold-plated (fashion) | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | 22K gold, sometimes silver | Brass or copper with gold plating |
| Price | Lakhs for a bridal set | Hundreds to a few thousand rupees |
| Weight | Heavy | Light, easier to wear all day |
| Best for | Heirloom bridal investment | Weddings, festivals, dance, gifting |
| Check | BIS hallmark and purity | Plating finish, stone setting, nickel-free base |
How to Wear and Style Temple Jewellery
- Brides: layer a choker with a long haram, add jhumkas, a nethi chutti and a vaddanam for the full South Indian bridal look.
- Silk sarees: temple jewellery is made for Kanjivaram and other silk sarees; match kemp stone colours to the saree border. See our Kanjivaram jewellery guide.
- Festivals and pujas: one statement necklace with matching earrings is enough.
- Modern outfits: wear temple jhumkas or a single Lakshmi pendant with a plain kurta or a handloom cotton saree.
- Dancers: choose lightweight gold-plated sets so they stay comfortable through long performances.
How to Care for Temple Jewellery
- Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or a box, away from moisture and sunlight.
- Put jewellery on after perfume, hairspray and make-up, and take it off first.
- Wipe with a soft dry cloth after every wear; never use water or chemical cleaners on plated pieces.
- Check stones and clasps before each event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is temple jewellery?
Temple jewellery is traditional South Indian jewellery with motifs of gods, goddesses and temple architecture, originally made to adorn deities. It has a matte antique gold finish and often uses red and green kemp stones.
What does temple jewellery mean?
The name comes from its origin: ornaments made for deities in South Indian temples. The style later passed to temple dancers, classical dancers and brides.
Where does temple jewellery come from?
It comes from South India, especially Tamil Nadu, with roots usually traced to the Chola dynasty (9th–13th century). Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu is a well-known centre of the craft.
Is temple jewellery only for South Indian brides?
No. It began in South India, but women across India wear it with silk sarees and at weddings and festivals, and lighter pieces work with everyday ethnic wear.
What is the difference between temple and kemp jewellery?
Temple jewellery describes the style and its sacred motifs. Kemp refers to the red and green stones often set in it, so many temple pieces are also kemp jewellery.
How do you clean gold-plated temple jewellery?
Wipe it with a soft dry cloth after each wear, keep it away from water and perfume, and store it in a dry pouch to prevent tarnishing.
Shop Temple Jewellery at Abdesigns
Abdesigns handcrafts gold-plated temple jewellery in Surat: Lakshmi necklaces, hasli and choker sets, temple jhumkas and maang tikkas. Nickel-free and skin-friendly, with free shipping above ₹750 and cash on delivery across India.
Related guides
- What is kemp jewellery
- Jewellery for a Kanjivaram silk saree
- Gold plated temple chandbali earrings
- South Indian temple gold plated bangles
Shop temple jewellery: nickel-free, handcrafted in Surat.
