Makara Kundanalu .... The Krishna Earrings.

Indian Jewellery is an intrinsic expression not only of adornment but also carries thousands of years of an ancient  culture and religion embedded in its unique designs.

One such ornament are the earrings called the Makara Kundanalu.

Makara Kundanalu are Earrings worn by Lord Krishna mentioned in the ancient text  Govinda Lilamrata.  

This ancient text eulogising the life of Krishna spotlights the various ornaments that Krishna wears. Each ornament has a philosophical connotation imparting a hidden sermon to the devotee. 

Makara ... in Sanskrit translates into a monstrous fish or giant crocodile that poses extinction to mankind when confronted and not overcome. 

Kundanalu ... in Sanskrit means 'Earrings'

And why does Krishna who was the King of the Yadava Clan, yet considered God in Hinduism wear ornamental earrings depicting this deadly sea monster?

It is to bring to attention, that when one vanquishes physically and meditatively the deadliest of fears and consequently tames them; only then can a human being be elevated to the status of God-hood.

Legend has it that the Makara Kundanalu framing Krishna's face on either side dazzled Radha his consort. The Godlike brilliance emanating from the precious jewels embedded within these earrings naturally attracted her towards the Lord.

These ear ornaments are like Cupids ropes that bind Radhika's eyes with Sri Krishna's sweetness holding her soul in an enchanted devotional grip with the Lord forever!

The philosophical subtleties of the scriptures inspired generations of jewellery karigars of Ancient India to include the auspicious Makara Kundanalu in the jewellery repertoire of the Indian Woman. 

From Orissa to Bengal and all the way to the South of India in Kerala, the Makara Kundanalu has been a captivating piece of bridal jewellery for Indian Brides.

 In many of the states of India it maybe known by local ethnic names but the source of this piece of ear ornament is from the Indian Scriptures interpreted differently in colloquial  languages familiar to the region through the length and breadth of the country. 

These auspicious earrings have seen many changes down the ages to suit jewellery styles and trends of the given times. But the basic structure and design is as specified in the ancient texts.

The Makara or aquatic fish lays tail upwards along the outer edge of the ear cartilage ending with its head resting on the earlobe. The ornament is crafted in pure gold with the choicest of blood red rubies, sparkling diamonds and dazzling emeralds encrusted in the body of the fish. On two or three points along the ornament three tiny gold ghunguroos are fixed along the body of the fish to add daintiness to the ornament.  

It can be crafted in any uniform precious gem of choice; or in an assorted mix of precious stones. 

 There have been modifications to the design and style of the earrings down the ages. Sometimes a Jhumki with rows of tiny pearls fixed to the cup is added under the head of the fish which dangles below the earlobe.  

Styling it further to give it a chic yet traditional look, the entire earring is sometimes created as a dangler with the fish suspended below the earlobe either from a gold hook or a gold stud.

However trendy and modern an Indian girl maybe but for that special day in her life... her Wedding... she will revert to her traditional roots in her bridal attire and jewellery because she knows that it is not just  pieces of beautiful threads and baubles she will be wearing to make her look gorgeous; but she will be carrying the blessings of her Heritage and Culture as she steps into an auspicious new phase of her life. 

When wearing the Makara Kundanalu the shy bride secretly yearns for her groom to love her like Krishna did Radha!