Stories and jewelry from India
In the 18th Century, AD, in the town of Thirukadaiyur, lived a man named Subramanyam Iyer. Everyday, he would visit the local temple of Amrithaghateswar (Lord Shiva) and would worship his consort (Goddess Parvati) as Mother Goddess Abhirami Devi. He would spend hours in meditation, recollecting her divine face. He was so devoted to her
Continue readingAn Earring becomes the moon – Abhirami Andhadhi
Here are two stories from the life and times of Thirumangai Azhwar that revolves around jewelry including how leaves turned gold at the Aabarnadari temple. Neelan, Kaliyan a.k.a Thirumangai mannan Once upon a time, there lived a man called Neelan*. He was the chieftain of a clan of thieves. Also referred to by the name
Rāmayanam is a Hindu epic that details the life history of King Rāma of Ayodhya, his brothers, his wife Sītā and their trials and tribulations. In most stories about women and jewelry, women play the central character driving the story forward. However, in this incident from Rāmayanam, the woman, Sītā is only spoken about. Her
Once Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati argued about who was more powerful. They decided to settle this dispute through a dance duel. Shiva, as the master of dance would perform a step and Parvati had to replicate the step perfectly without missing a beat and vice versa. A huge crowd gathers to watch this
Continue readingKanaka Thadanga earrings – of modesty and shame