South India is famous for its plethora of rich traditions of ancient literature, classical music, conventional dance, customary arts, tantalizing cuisine and above all, majestic temples, which are collectively considered as the "jewel in the crown" of South India. Temple jewelry, noted for their regal look, added another feather in the cap of South India's preserved cultural heritage. Temple jewelry dates back to the 9th century. These divine looking jewelry beautified the appearances of gods and goddesses in temples. Later they was extremely popular among the women. Temple jewelry is often patronized by many classical dancers and highlighted their unique look. Temple jewelry has continued to impress the people for several centuries. Temple jewelry is now in vogue and is customised to suit the diverse taste of buyers.

 

 

Temple jewelry was prevalent during the celebrated historical periods in South India such as the Chola dynasty, the Pandya dynasty and the Krishnadeva Raya rule from the 9th century till the 16th century. Temple jewelry was popularly worn by the kings, queens and other people of important positions. They had assigned the experienced goldsmiths and craftsmen to chisel the temple jewelry accessories for them. Also these jewelry pieces were presented to the temple by the royal figures, goldsmiths and devotees as offerings to the Hindu deities and this is how it got its name. Temple jewelry pieces were created out of finest gold and embedded with precious stones of rare value and the owners of these jewelry pieces decided to donate them to the temples in order to preserve them more carefully. These antique jewelry pieces are still seen today in temples due to the cautious protection and discreet scrutiny by the temple authorities for numerous years.