Kalyan Wiki
thalikootam
Our traditional jewellery has a scent of the past, and are highly decorated with engravings and coloured stones that make them illustrious and treasured pieces. Our hot favourites include the paalaka mala (greenstone embedded beauty), ilakkathali (sparkly choker), maanga maala (mango shaped lockets), kaasu maala (coin necklace), karimani maala (black beads), kazhuthila (choker), mullamuttu maala (jasmine shaped), thaalikootam and many more.
One of the most auspicious necklaces worn by the bride is the thalikootam. Thalikootam is known as ‘pozhuthali’ among the Namboothiri clan, or simply called ‘cheruthali’. ‘Thali’ refers to the sacred pendant worn by married Hindu women. It is, traditionally, a small gold pendant shaped to look like an ‘aalila’ or banyan tree leaf. In a cheruthali, tiny thalis are strung together closely to make a beautiful necklace. They also might have small golden beads in between each thali to enhance the setting. Thalikootam is a humble necklace, but high on shine and luster. It is completely crafted in gold, usually by traditional craftsmen, and can be of varying lengths. Thalikkotam is usually worn by namboothiri women. They are manufactured in two main designs, one being Kamazhthi. This Thalikootam design has the convex side facing outwards. The other kind of Thalikootam design is known as Malathi, or the one with the convex side facing inwards.
Modern varieties of the traditional Thalikootam design have larger thalis, making them even more majestic. The standard length is called opera, which may reach down to the chest, but there are smaller varieties that make dainty necklaces and even slight chokers too. Unlike typical necklaces, Thalikkootam necklaces are lightweight and can be easily paired with everyday wear. They can add a vibe of tradition to your saree or salwar styling. Thus a thalikootam makes a great necklace to wear and is a high value asset when you want to liquidate it.
