Thali is the term used mainly Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu to refer to Mangalsutra worn by Hindu married women. Thali is of great significance in Hindu marriage and there is deep symbolism associated with it.
It is a symbol of Mangalyam – holy – auspicious. Due to this reason, thali is also known as Mangalyasoothram.
The thali is made in the shape of Peepal leaf – Alila.
The belief is that Trimurtis – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva – reside in the thali.
Brahma resides in the tip of thali; Vishnu in the middle and Shiva on the top portion.
Many married women consider Thali as a body part and never remove it.
Thali is tied around the neck of the bride by the groom after doing puja in the temple.
The belief is that the person tying the thali is paramathma and the person receiving the thali is jeevatma.
Thali is the symbolic union of paramatma and jeevatma.
The belief is that life force resides near the neck and the thali that envelops the neck has the presence of Mother Goddess Shakti.
Thali and silk saree is given as offering to many Shakti temples by devotees in South India.