Like any other state, Maharashtra has its unique traditional gold jewellery collection. Along with other gold ornaments designs, the Marathi mangalsutra has its specialty. It is the most auspicious jewellery in every wedding ceremony. It is a symbol of marriage in the Maharashtrian tradition.
The mangal sutra worn by every Marathi bride is known as “Watimani/vatimani Mangalsutra”. This beautiful piece of jewellery holds a special place in every bride’s heart which she treasures for her lifetime.
Now, why it is known as “watimani mangalsutra”? Marathi mangal sutra is made of black and gold beaded chain hung with the pendant of two watis/vatis. These watis/vatis are two disc-shaped ball pendants, hollow from one side and raised from the front side. The design of this pendant is kept very simple as it is believed that the simpler the design more will be the effect.
The structure of the gold mangalsutra stands for shiv and shakti. The joint of the mangalsutra is the symbol of the reunion of shiv and shakti. The mangal sutra mostly has two strands of strings with black and golden beads. These two strands are symbolic for husband and wife, in ideal continuity forming a whole around the neck of the woman.
The vatis/watis show the love, loyalty, and attachment between the couple. The two vatis/watis in the watimani mangal sutra also connote sun and moon. It is a belief that the sun blesses the couple with good wellbeing and wisdom. Whereas, the moon blesses the couple with love and harmony.
Just like many other communities, the black beads are also considered as the protection of husband and wife from evil eyes and bring prosperity and happiness in couples’ lives. There are two types of black beaded chain in the mangal sutra:
Shagun – In this type of chain, every 9 beads are split up by 2 golden beads.
Nirgun – It is a simple chain completely made of black beads.
The Mangalsutra is only worn by the married woman, and it is mostly gifted by the husband during the marriage. The groom ties it around the bride’s neck, in the presence of the whole family, while the priest chants mantra. By tying mangal sutra, the couple promises each other to love unconditionally and take care of each other for a lifetime. The woman wears this during her entire life until the husband is alive. Hence, these two vatis/watis in the gold mangalsutra are considered as a commitment towards the husband and husband’s family.
There are some coastal regions, especially in Konkan, women wear three vatis/watis. The third vati represents the devotion towards the sea god.
Importance of wearing a mangalsutra:
- It is considered as the symbol of an inseparable bond between husband and wife.
- It is also believed that married women wear mangalsutra to enhance the welfare of her husband.
- Mangalsutra is always made up of black beads beaded in a thin chain of gold. The black beads absorb negative energy and act as a protective sheath for the bride and her family.
