Temple Jewelry: The Ornaments of Gods

Temple jewelry likely originated in the Chola dynasty of South India in the 9th century AD when Raja Raja Chola I built the first grand temple in Tanjavur where idols were adorned with intricate gold jewelry. 

After the practice spread to other temples with jewelry being made from the precious gems and metals offered to the deities in the temples, temple dancers and devotees made replicas of this jewelry for themselves, taking inspiration from the Gods and Goddesses, nature, and temple architecture. 

The process starts with creating dyes and moulds of various motifs, and then using gold foils or dye to fill the mould. It is an extremely intricate process often passed down through families of goldsmiths. 

Over time its cultural significance has strengthened with many women believing that wearing temple jewelry brings blessings and abundance.