This necklace from South India is also known as Rudraksha Malai. It consists of a pendant with a suspended lingam box which contains a sacred object called the jangam (mobile) lingam that is worshipped regularly. The necklace is strung with rudraksha berries (fruit of Elaeocarpus Ganitrus), and divided by gold spacers. The fruit is considered a most sacred symbol by devout Shaivites, who wear one or many berries around their necks and never remove them. This necklace is not an ornament but a sectarian ritualistic emblem. It is worn and worshipped on special occasions by Shaivite priests and Chettiar householders. It has been observed when Nagarathar Chettiars take the annual kavadi—the ritual carrying of milk for Murugan—the veteran Murugan male devotees are seen wearing this necklace.
