Karthamani Pathak: The traditional Coorgi mangalsutra

Karthamani and Pathak are though two different things but they are mostly worn together as one unit. Karthamani Pathak is the most important jewellery for any Kodava bride. It is the symbol of marriage. Like women in other parts of India, Kodavathis also wear an ornament to symbolize their wedding. This particular ornament identifies them as a married woman. The name for this wedding ornament though varies from region to region based on the language spoken in that area. In Sanskrit it is called a mangalsutra and so is in Kannada. However, the Kodava/Coorgi mangalsutra is called the Karthamani Pathak.

What is Karthamani and Pathak?

 

Pathak is the pendant part in the picture. It is the large gold coin which usually has the image of Goddess Lakshmi(considered auspicious) engraved in the middle. In some regions the engraved image of Queen Victoria is also seen. The coin is framed using rubies on the circumference and is surmounted by a Cobra head which is quite similar to another tradition Coorg jewellery Kokkethathi. The cobra head symbolizes fertility in the life of the woman wearing it and her family. The pathak pendant may or may not have fresh pearls hanging on its circumference. This pendant is put on a gold wire or chain along with coral and gold beads. This complete piece as in the image with the coral beads is called Pathak.

Pathak pendant

Karthamani is the black chain part as shown in the image here. It is made of several fine black glass beads. These beads are strung using a thin chain in as low as just 2 g of gold. The Pathak is attached to this twisted bead chain. 




Pathak worn by a bride a day before marriage

The concept is actually similar to other mangalsutra designs with a pendant in a black bead chain but the design of this Kodava mangalsutra is totally unique.

How to wear Karthamani Pathak?

 

Karthamani Pathak is worn by a Kodava bride a day prior to her wedding. One distinct thing about wearing a karthamani pathak is that unlike in most of the cultures this Kodava version of mangalsutra is not tied by the groom instead it is tied by the bride's mother a day before the marriage.

Usually such ornaments like mangalsutras are supposed to be worn daily by married women but now a days people wear them only on special traditional occassions like weddings etc. Same is with the Karthamani Pathak.



Wearing a Karthamani Pathak

Where to buy Karthamani Pathak?

 

If you are looking to buy Karthamani Pathak, this beautiful ornament would be best purchased from Coorg itself where you can get the traditional and authentic designs. However, its also available on order in some jewellery stores in Bangalore and Mysore. And still if you cannot approach jewellers in these cities also, you can buy it online through the online shop of some of the leading jewellery brands. It is available on some websites but is made strictly on order. So you need to give them time atleast 20 - 30 days and an advance full payment.