Ashtamangalyam

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.