🔹Summary
Indian bridal jewelry is more than adornment—it’s a sacred expression of Solah Shringar, the sixteen traditional embellishments of a bride. From the Maang Tikka that symbolizes the third eye, to the Mangalsutra binding marital vows, each ornament carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning. Rooted in mythology and regional traditions, these timeless pieces transform the bride into a living embodiment of grace, heritage, and divine blessing.
It is not a hidden fact that a bride in India is supposed to dazzle in her wedding with her bridal jewelry and not look lesser than the grand wedding venue. In India, we have the term called Solah Shringar, its literal meaning is sixteen adornments, in Indian tradition for the longest time through ancient times it is believed that a bride should adorn herself with sixteen adornments.
This tradition started from the story of Rati, the wife of Kamdev, who is the God of love. As Rati was engaged in the presence of goddess Lakshmi, she was blessed with the sixteen adornments from Lakshmi, to impress and marry Kamdev.
Of the sixteen adornments that were blessed by goddess Lakshmi, each of the adornments carries its own meaning. These sixteen adornments include:
01. Sindoor (Vermilion): Symbol of marital status and devotion
02. Maang Tikka: Placed on the forehead, linked with the Ajna Chakra or third eye
03. Keshapasharachana: Adorning and styling the hair
04. Bindi: Mark of spiritual focus and feminine energy
05. Kajal (Kohl): Enhances beauty while protecting from the evil eye
06. Karn Phool (Earrings): Symbolic flowers of the ears
07. Nath (Nose ring): Blessings of Goddess Parvati for love and harmony
08. Haar (Necklace): A sacred bond of unity and protection
09. Bajuband (Armlet): Strength and grace
10. Bangles (Kangan): Joy, playfulness, and prosperity
11. Hathphool: A blend of grace and royalty for the hands
12. Mehendi (Henna): Prosperity and auspiciousness
13. Kamarband (Waistband): Enhancing feminine charm
14. Payal (Anklets): Melody and humility, crafted usually in silver
15. Itar (Fragrance): Symbol of freshness and divine presence
16. Bridal Attire: Completing the divine transformation of the bride
Together, these adornments transform the bride into a living embodiment of grace, prosperity, and divine blessing. Even today, whether in grand ceremonies or intimate weddings, the essence of Solah Shringar continues to remain timeless.
Among the most striking adornments of an Indian bride are the headpieces, which not only enhance beauty but also carry deep spiritual symbolism. Two of the most cherished ornaments are the Maang Tikka and the Jhoomar.
Maang Tikka is a very important accessory for the bridal look. As it is placed in the middle of the forehead it is the home of Ajna Chakra or the third eye. When the bride wears the piece of Indian Bridal jewelry on her special day, she is believed to be connected with her third eye and has the ability to control her emotions and activate her knowledge, wisdom, courage, and willpower.
The Crescent moon shape of the Jhoomar has a symbolic meaning, it represents the moon phases, the changing emotions of a human being which is controlled by the left side of the brain.
No bridal look is complete without earrings. In Indian weddings, earrings are more than ornaments—they are symbols of beauty, heritage, and divine grace. Two of the most iconic styles are Jhumkas and Balis (Chandrabalis).
When a bride does solah Srinagar one of her main focal point is her earrings, and Jhumkas cannot go wrong to enhance her facial beauty. They are typically huge with their bell-shaped beauty, they can be traced back to the Chola dynasty, with ancient temple statues.
Bali or Chandrabali are also very beautiful earpieces that make another great choice to adorn your ears. Balis are typically shaped round or crescent moon shape as they are called chandrabali that hark back to the time of the Mughals.
The nath is one of the significant ornaments in Indian bridal jewelry, it symbolizes blessings, tradition, and the bride’s transition into married life. Nath varies in multiple styles and every culture and region has its own style of wearing them. In Hindu tradition, it is believed that Goddess Parvathi blesses the bride with an abundance of love, affection, prosperity in the bride’s married journey, and care from her partner.
A sacred and most significant piece of the bride’s bridal look. It is also referred to as the ‘Sacred Thread’ that binds the husband and wife. This is why, it is important for the groom to put it on himself on the bride’s neck during the sacred bonding ceremony. The Mangalsutra is a lifelong symbol of love, trust, and sacred companionship.
The Kamarbandh, also known as a waist belt, is a graceful ornament that accentuates the beauty of the bride’s attire. It represents feminine strength and elegance, helping the bride carry her attire with poise during rituals and celebrations. The Kamarbandh has long been worn during classical dances and festive occasions. It completes the look of divine grace, balancing beauty with symbolism.
The arms and hands of an Indian bride are adorned with jewelry that reflects strength, elegance, and cultural heritage. From bangles to armlets, each piece carries its own symbolism and beauty.
Kada/Kara or Kangan has a very significant meaning in a woman's life is her strength, her identity, and her culture. Bridal Kangan are usually made with gold and they are worn in stacks so they can be filled with lac bangles too. In Hindi, the word “lac” means “playfulness” which is why this type of bangle signifies the husband’s love for them.
Bajuband are widely popular across Maharashtra and South India because of Indian classical dancers to protect their upper arms from friction caused by intense movements. Over time, they became a popular accessory of jewelry among Hindu families in some regions and became very significant ornament for bridal jewelry.
Even though Bajuband and Vanki both are worn on the upper arms, Vanki has its signature V-shape which is usually made of precious and even artificial metals. Another thing about Vanki is they are easy to put on the biceps without creating any pressure over the arms, as they have an adjustable locking feature.
The literal meaning of Hathphool is “flower of the hand”, it is a beautiful mixture of a bangle/bracelet and a ring. The hathphool is originated from Persia, but popularized by Mughal queens, and through time it has been adapted to most Indian weddings, specifically by Rajputana royalty in Rajasthan.
A Payal/Anklet is an ornament worn on the ankle, it usually comes with simple chains but it can be decorated with beads, pearls, small stones, and bells. In Hindu traditions, Payal isn’t supposed to be made out of gold as the goddess of wealth Lakshmi is symbolized with gold, which is why they are mostly made with silver.
Indian jewelry stands as a vibrant testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions. It is always fascinating how Indian weddings are so grand and nothing can outshine the bride. It wouldn't not an extravagating to say nothing can outshine the beauty of the bride when she is donned in her solha shringar.
🔸Solah Shringar represents 16 sacred adornments blessed by Goddess Lakshmi.
🔸Headpieces like Maang Tikka and Jhoomar connect to spirituality and elegance.
🔸Earrings (Jhumkas, Balis) carry historical roots from Chola and Mughal eras.
🔸Nath (nose ring) symbolizes Goddess Parvati’s blessings of love and harmony.
🔸Mangalsutra is the sacred thread binding husband and wife for life.
🔸Kamarbandh, Bajuband, and Hathphool blend artistry with protection and grace.
🔸Payal (anklets) in silver represent humility, purity, and divine feminine energy.
Solah Shringar refers to the sixteen traditional adornments of a bride, each with spiritual and cultural significance.
The Maang Tikka rests on the Ajna Chakra, symbolizing wisdom, balance, and the union of two souls.
Mangalsutra, a sacred thread tied by the groom, represents the eternal bond of love, trust, and protection in marriage.
The Nath is believed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Parvati, ensuring love, affection, and harmony in married life.
Gold is sacred to Goddess Lakshmi and not worn on the feet. Payals are crafted in silver, symbolizing humility and purity.
Hathphool originated in Persia, became popular under Mughal queens, and was later embraced by Rajput royalty.
Not always. Modern brides may adapt Solah Shringar based on regional customs, personal style, or practicality.
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