Muthangi Pearl Studded Attire of Tamil Nadu

‘Muthu’ means pearl and ‘angi’ means garment. Muthangi is referred to special garments and accessories made for temple deities during festivals that were studded with pearls, precious stones and zari in earlier times. Items like garments and headdresses are studded with artificial stones, zari and artificial pearls by stitching them on blue velvet. Embroidery units are concentrated around the Minakshi Temple in Madurai. Muthangi serves a similar function as that of the rathnangi and of the metal cladding or kavasam thus falling within the category of adornment of deity or nagai alangaram. It can be both custom-made for specific idols and made in standard sizes. Tools used are scissors, needles and sewing machine.