The Culture Behind Madurai Malligai

 THE CULTURE BEHIND MADURAI MALLIGAI

    Madurai Malligai is unique and more valuable because of its shape, scent and texture. Malligai plays an important role in all 'Life cycle' ceremonies, such as birth, puberty, betrothal, wedding, pregnancy, and death. Madurai is known for its jasmine cultivation. It is a way of life, an art form rooted in worship, local lore, and ancient and contemporary culture. 

Women in Tamil Nadu fasten gleaming strings of jasmine flowers to their hair as a symbol of good fortune. The jasmine flower is seen in ancient temple carvings and paintings, while jasmine motifs and patterns are popular in traditional local jewellery, especially necklaces, earrings, anklets, and bangles.  Hindus decorate their deities with garlands of flowers. No wedding ceremony in the region is considered complete without the white buds gracing nearly every inch of the marriage hall. 

    Tamil Nadu has many varieties of jasmine, but Madurai Malligai is especially popular, both locally and internationally. Waxy, white, oblong flowers are much more fragrant than other types, and the thicker petals can hold moisture and remain fresh for up to two days. A Geographical Indication (GI) tag was awarded to the Madurai Malligai in 2013, providing legal protection and establishing its quality. The city of Madurai has its unique connection with the jasmine variety dating back to at least 300 BC. In Sangam literature, that is, Tamil poetry of the period 300 BC to AD 300, there are several references to the flower, which are thought to have been composed or written at the Sangam or assembly of Tamil scholars that was frequently held in Madurai during that period.  The Sangam poems describe Pari, a Tamil king, being unable to bear to see a delicate and beautiful Mullai jasmine creeper lying on the forest floor. The king gave his chariot to the jasmine creeper so that it could twine itself around it and rest more comfortably. The jasmine variety has been mentioned in old Hindu scriptures and also in ancient works like the Mahabharata and Kamasutra. 

    The city of Madurai has evolved into the jasmine capital of India and has become a major market for Malligai grown in its neighbourhood. The plant grows in areas around Madurai such as Aruppukkottai, Natham, Melur, Thirumangalam, Perungudi, Uthappanaickanur, Ammainaickanur, and Nilakottai, which are blessed with moist, well-drained, sandy soil.  

    The relationship between the Madurai Malligai and religion has been evident at least since the fifteenth or sixteenth century when the region was ruled by the Nayak kings.  It is used regularly for prayer and worship, temple decoration, adorning the Hair, making offerings for religious purposes, adorning the pictures of deities at home, garlanding the photographs of deceased ancestors and making symbolic offerings or gifts, etc.  Across Tamil Nadu, jasmine plays a significant role every day. It can be said as it is one of the cultural symbols of the state's rich culture. 

    In Madurai, both men and women earn their livelihood weaving these fragrant wisps of white into garlands. Their imagination soars as they weave the jasmine in a variety of ways, yielding countless variations of unparalleled complexity. It is well known that the flower sellers of Madurai weave their creations expertly and quickly. In addition, there are many ways to weave, knit and knot jasmine flowers. In Indian art, the Malligai has been depicted in sculpture, paintings, jewellery, and various other forms. Jasmine is also sometimes used in Indian jewellery, such as necklaces and pendants. These jewellery designs were inspired by the portrayal of the flower in sculptures and paintings.

    Thus, the Madurai Malligai is therefore of great cultural significance and is recognized for its unique specialities throughout Tamil Nadu and beyond.