Ashta mangalyam
is a set of eight auspicious items widely found
in Hindu homes in Kerala. It symbolically represents auspiciousness and
prosperity. Ashta means ‘eight’ and Mangalyam means ‘happy /sacred occasion’. Please
do note that Ashtamangalyam is not the eight miniature set of vessels now a day
we use as a decorative item in most of the hindu homes. It is merely a symbol
of the concept. There is no one opinion regarding the eight items among
scholars, pundits and priests. In reality, any eight auspicious items that are
readily available can become Ashtamangalyam and also should be noted that the eight ingredients varies according to the diffrent occassions for which it is prepared. So
let us use our commonsense and creativity while decorating.
However, there is a list of must have items
that can be a part of traditional Ashtamangalyam :
Nirapara - a measuring container used in olden days to measure
paddy / rice
kindi - A container with a long nozzle to hold water
A bell
Uruli –vessel to hold akshata
changala vatta - a unique lamp with the center piece to be a
container for holding oil and a spoon
Grandham - sacred book made up of palm leaves, preferably Devi
Mahatmyam
vaal kanaadi – Kerala Aranmula val kannadi is used as the
traditional mirror
kodi vashtram -cloth with golden kasavu border
Nilavilakku - traidtional lamp
kumkuma cheppu – sindoor box
kanmashi – kajal
you can add many more things depending on the occasion.
Betel leaves, arecanut,
gold, coconut flowers, dasa pushpam (especially for Thiruvathira ritual) etc.
